Finances, student growth pointed up in District 12

Roselle Elementary District 12 welcomed Brett Mathieson, from the audit firm Mathieson, Moyski-Austin & Co., on Jan. 24 to present the annual audit report to the school board.

The annual audit is a time when the district's yearly finances are examined for accuracy by an outside firm, with the results reported to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Not only did District 12 receive a clean audit report (the best possible mark), the findings demonstrated that the board, administration and staff have lived up to the promise of improving the financial health of the district.

In less than three years, District 12 has improved its financial rating, reduced the deficit by half and stabilized fund balances.

As many in the community remember, District 12 successfully passed an operating rate referendum last March. The district will start to see the new funds, generated by the rate increase, during the 2017-2018 school year.

Board member Henry Thiele acknowledged the hard work that has been done to accomplish these improvements. I also reminded the audience that the district will need to maintain a focus on fiscal responsibility, transparency and strategic decision-making.

The district currently is working with a variety of agencies to develop both a short-term and long-term facilities plan that will pave the way for "the best work for the best price that will make the best impact on the schools and students."

Once a draft plan is complete, District 12 will be reaching out to the community for input before beginning any of the major work.

It is also important to note that in addition to reducing the deficit, the district has developed a strategic plan that prioritizes student growth.

Investing in quality staff members, quality staff development and quality materials has allowed us to use our limited resources in a very strategic and growth-focused way.

We are all tremendously proud of the work that has been accomplished for the students of District 12. We also are proud that we have been able to deliver on our promises to the community taxpayers.

• Roselle Elementary District 12 Superintendent Melissa Kaczowski writes a column that appears monthly during the school year in Neighbor.