Monrovia School Link ~ Number 146 ~ October 29, 2005
It sounds from this report as if the board has a dedicated new employee it isn't even paying. I hope Dennis Jones' charges are fully investigated. If true, it appears the district could save more than a quarter of a million dollars a year with little effort, and maybe recoup some of what it lost. If true, I think Jones' deserves a serious pat on the back. Don't forget the elections on Nov. 8! Get out and vote for your choice.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Maritza Diaz
If you were home watching the Chicago White Sox win the World Series, well then, you missed a school board meeting that was just as exciting. Okay, maybe not that exciting, but it certainly was interesting. Let's take a look at the highlights, shall we? Teachers and staff were honored, a member of the community points the finger at the board and enrolment isn't as high as projected.
WHO'S READING THE AUDIT? ~ Dennis Jones, a Monrovia resident and a certified public accountant, asked the board who was in charge of reading the audit reports. Why such a question? Well, the answer is a long one, so hold on tight. Jones said he went over the audit reports for 2002-04 and found some troubling information. In a section of the audit dealing with compensated absences, Jones said employees, for those years, were compensated for more vacation time that was allotted. According to Jones, in 2004 at least 12 employees exceeded the amount allowed in the amount of $100,000. The next year the number of employees grew to at least 17 and the amount to $230,000. In 2004, number of employees grew to at least 22 and the amount to $288,000. Jones went on to say that the official response of the district was "district supervisors were instructed to view each employee's accumulated vacation and work out a schedule to work out excess vacation days." Jones said this was not done.
Wait, there's more. This time it's in the area of federal compliance. Jones said there is a requirement that employees funded solely by a single federal program must sign a semi-annual certification. When an employee works in more than one category in the program, the salary must be supported by a personnel activities report. The claim is that various requirements of this program were not met. Jones read a quote (though did not say were it came from) that said , "although the services were provided, awarding agencies may seek reimbursement from the district for these unsupported charges and could withhold funds in the future if these provisions are not followed." Hmm. Interesting stuff. So the bottom line, for Jones, is that the board is not doing its job in keeping informed.
Superintendent Louise Taylor added that all these items have been reviewed each year with auditors. President Monina Diaz said that each board member reviews in length the audit report each year and they also have the auditor come and speak with the board to make sure the board is clear on the findings. The district will look into the concerns Jones raised, according to Diaz. Jones advised the board hire a new auditor. See what you miss when you choose to stay home. No worries, though, because Jones promised to continue brining this matter up. Stay tuned.
HAPPY HOUR ~ Enough with the accusations: The Chamber of Commerce (and the board) came out to honor Monrovia teachers and staff. It was a nice sight. The meeting room was filled with friends and family and students. Please congratulate the dedicated employees for a job well done. Connie Delgado (office manager), Natalie Kuyper (teacher), Terrie Maertens ( instructional assistant ) and John Russell (teacher).
Another great moment in the meeting came when Luis Guttirez, a representative from the Monrovia Youth Council, gave a passionate speech about the program. The program offers high-risk students tutoring, support and a chance to succeeded in their education. This is the program's first year and, based on the supporters and members who attended, shows great signs of promise.
One more good deed to report. As a thank you for installing flashing caution lights on Foothill Boulevard and California Avenue, the board presented the city of Monrovia a certificate. The mayor and members of the city council attended. You never know who will show up to meetings.
DIAZ SPEAKS ~ No, not me. Board President Diaz spoke about attending the candidate forum and a "frightening" idea brought up by a candidate. The idea is that a board member should have a child in the schools. She went on to say Monrovia had given her the foundation for a strong education and her passion for giving back to the district is just as important as the support from people who have kids in the schools.
CODE VIOLATION ~ Jones (remember him?) expressed his objection to Diaz talking about this issue saying she was in code violation about supporting or not supporting a candidate. Diaz went on with her comment.
CERTIFIED ~ What percentage of teachers are certified in the Monrovia School District? Take a guess. Give up? The answer is 99.1%! Next year, 100%. That’s the goal.
ANOTHER GOOD-BYE ~ During the section of the meeting where the board members report on their activities, Bruce Carter pulled out a big plastic spider and pretended it was attacking him. Everyone laughed. Sadly, this was Carter's last board meeting. Although, he is still a board member for the next meeting, he will be in China. The mayor and other board members expressed their gratitude for this service and his contribution to the community.
ANOTHER ROUND ~ Lupe Davis was reappointed to the Personnel Commission. She was so eager to keep her title, she accepted and thanked the board for the job before it was officially voted and approved. Now that's dedication.
ABSENT ~ Ah, the enrollment. The projected decline was about 107 students, but the number (as of this month) is 173. Of course, the declining enrollment will affect the budget and funding. The board said the future might hold a cutting classrooms or even closing a school. Hopefully it won’t come to that. Projections, aren't always right.
NEXT TIME ~ November 9. 7 p.m. Be there.
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