Business Services
Robbinsdale Area Schools is home to an award-winning Business Services Department, which is dedicated to exemplary financial stewardship of the taxpayer dollars and funding the school district receives from federal, state and local levels.
In 2023, the department earned its 22nd consecutive Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).
Business Services is home to three departments: Finance, Payroll and Purchasing.
Business Services contacts
Virginia Verbrugge
Assistant Finance Director
763-504-8042
Virginia_Verbrugge@rdale.org
Valerie Milinkovich
Purchasing Director
763-504-8052 | Fax: 763-504-8971
Valerie_Milinkovich@rdale.org
Karen Timm
Payroll Director
763-504-8044 | Fax: 763-504-8971
Karen_Timm@rdale.org
Karylanne Marchand
Office Manager
763-504-8038
Karylanne_Marchand@rdale.org
Business Services Departments
2024-25 BUDGET SURVEY
Robbinsdale Area Schools sent out three surveys seeking input about what the priorities for next year’s budget should be: one to families and community members, another to staff, and a third to high school students. The survey was completed by 976 family and community members, 561 staff members, and 453 high school students.
Chief Financial Officer
Kristen Hoheisel
Chief Financial Officer
763-504-8032
Kristen_Hoheisel@rdale.org
Bid Notices
Vendors and contractors are invited to review the district's bid notices on a regular basis. Bid notices are published on the district website, and in the legal newspaper in accordance with applicable law.
COVID
For more information about federal ESSER (COVID) funding, please review the most recent School Board update from Jan. 4, 2022.
Financial Department
The financial structure of the district is accounted for in several funds. Each fund is an independent accounting entity having its own set of accounts, assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenues and expenditures. The budget, approved by the School Board, reports on the following funds:
- General
- Capital Expenditure (General Fund)
- Child Nutrition
- Community Service
- Building Construction
- Debt Service
District financial information
For finance information, such as budgets and reports, scroll down.
Finance Department contacts
Scott Chanthorabout
Senior Accountant
763-504-8115
Scott_Chanthorabout@rdale.org
Katelyn Smith
Accounts Receivable
763-504-8039
Katelyn_Smith@rdale.org
Derek Ewer
Finance Accounts Payable
763-504-8054
Derek_Ewer@rdale.org
Finance Resources and Documents
- American Rescue Plan (ARP)
- Annual Budget Reports
- Baker Tilly Report
- Annual Comprehensive Financial Reporting (ACFR)
- District Revenue and Expenditures
- ESSER (COVID) Funding
- Finance Advisory Council (FAC)
- Notice of Electronic Check Transfers
- S&P Global Ratings (Bond Rating)
- State Auditor's Report (June 2020)
- Truth in Taxation
American Rescue Plan (ARP)
Over the next three years, Robbinsdale Area Schools is eligible to receive $19.4 million in additional funding through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the third round of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III).
These funds are meant to help us respond to the COVID pandemic -- to keep our students, staff and schools healthy, and to address the pandemic's effects on student learning.
After reviewing information from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and getting input from district leaders, we have narrowed the list of ways to use the ESSER III funding.
We are currently in the process of gathering feedback from secondary students, families and staff to help us set priorities to address the effects of the pandemic on learning. Secondary students and families will receive a survey about spending priorities the first week of school.
Annual Budget Reports
The Robbinsdale Area School District’s fiscal year commences July 1 of each year, which is consistent with most school districts and is law in Minnesota. The School Board, by law, must have a budget adopted for the upcoming fiscal year prior to July 1.
The budget sets forth the financial plan for the forthcoming fiscal year. It is based on the projected financial needs of the District and serves to allocate limited resources in the best possible way to provide the best educational opportunities to students.
2023-24
2023-24 budget resolution (june 2023)
2023-24 revised budget (may 2024)
2022-23
2022-23 budget resolution (june 2022)
2022-23 revised budget (april 2023)
2021-22
2021-22 budget resolution (june 2021)
2021-22 revised budget (April 2022)
2020-21
2020-21 REVISED BUDGET (MAY 2021)
2020-21 REVISED BUDGET (JAN. 2021)
Previous Years
Baker Tilly Report
Instructional Support Review, April 2015
Project Objectives and Scope
Baker Tilly was asked by the District to analyze spending relative to instructional support. Our review included the following objectives:
- Enhance operational efficiency
- Reduce expenditures
- Create optimal organizational effectiveness through the use of a Functional Analysis Approach
- Examine the above in a manner that controls the potential impact on instructional support and/or student achievement
Annual Comprehensive Financial Reporting (ACFR)
The district's fiscal year 2022 audit was conducted by the firm of Malloy, Montague, Karnowski, Radosevich & Co., P.A. The results of that audit were presented to the School Board at the Aug. 7, 2023 regular business meeting.
District Revenue and Expenditures
ESSER (COVID) Funding
Finance Advisory Council (FAC)
The Robbinsdale Area Schools Financial Advisory Council (FAC) provides financial advice and support to the School Board and Administration, including evaluation of the district's economic conditions, development of future budget assumptions and review of the overall fiscal condition of the district. More information about FAC can be found under the Community / Get Involved / Committees & Volunteer Opportunities page.
Notice of Electronic Check Transfers
When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us either to use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction. When we use information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account on the same day we receive your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution. This change was made beginning March 1, 2011.
S&P Global Ratings (Bond Rating)
Oct. 13, 2020
Standards and Poor's (S&P) conducted a credit profile and RatingsDirect summary due to the sale of general obligation facilities maintenance bonds and alternative facilities refunding bonds sold in October 2020, per unanimous approval of the School Board.
Rating Action
S&P Global Ratings assigned its 'AAA' long-term (based on the state of Minnesota's credit enhancement) rating, with a negative outlook, and 'A-' underlying rating, with a stable outlook, to Hennepin County Independent School District (ISD) No. 281 (Robbinsdale Area Schools), Minn.'s series 2020A general obligation (GO) facilities maintenance bonds and series 2020B GO alternative facilities refunding bonds."
Stable Outlook
Downside scenario
If the district is unable to continue to rebuild its reserves and returns to structural imbalance, we could lower the underlying rating. However, we do not expect to change the rating within the two-year outlook timeframe.
Upside scenario
A higher underlying rating would most likely be predicated on the district's enrollment stabilizing and reserves being at a level more commensurate with those of higher-rated peers. Additionally, the formalization, and adherence to, policies and practices is necessary for upward rating movement.
State Auditor's Report (June 2020)
State Auditor's Report
The findings of this report should give comfort to the petitioners, as no deep systemic problems were found. We found no evidence of the suspicions of wrongdoing lodged against specific employees
Julie Blaha, State Auditor
The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) was petitioned to review Independent School District 281, Robbinsdale Area Schools, to examine the books, records, accounts and affairs of the District for the period July 1, 2015, through March 31, 2019. The state auditors office will bill the District approximately $69,000. The District estimates an additional $30,000 was spent on staff support and supplies.
The process took seven months (nearly 700 hours) to completed, and the report was released on Monday, June 15, 2020. The report is available at the Office of the State Auditor's website.
Understanding the Report
School finances and financial reports are not always easy to understand, and we welcome questions and concerns from our community. We continue to refine our policies and practices in support of our District Equity Policy. We also invite you to attend or view our school board meetings to stay up to date on district matters. Thank you for your continued support of District 281!
Next Steps
- 1. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)
- 2. Fund Balance and Budget
- 3. Credit Card Policies and Usage
- 4. Authorization of Expenditures
- 5. Access to Financial/Budget Information
- 6. TIES/Sourcewell Contract
- 7. Title I Funds
- 8. Compensatory Funds
- 9. Open Enrollment
- 10. Contract Compliance
- 11. Relocation Reimbursements
- 12. Scoreboards
- 13. Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Revenue Program
- 14. Conflict of Interest - TIES/Sourcewell Contract
- 15. Professional Development/Technology Stipends
- 16. Hiring Policies and Practices
- 17. School Board Meetings
1. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)
Request: Provide information relating to the District’s irrevocable trust for retired employees’ health care costs. This included identifying when the trust was established and how it was funded; determining if health care costs were paid out of the District’s General Fund; and, if health care costs were paid out of the General Fund, determining if the irrevocable trust reimbursed the General Fund.
OSA Recommendation: We recommend the District develop a plan describing when amounts will be determined to be paid from the Post-Employment Benefits Trust Fund. Those amounts should be determined prior to the release of the annual financial statements so that the financial statements disclose the amount in the trust for future benefit payments.
District Response: The District is currently developing an Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) advisory committee with the participation of its Financial Advisory Council (FAC), with a resolution approved by the School Board on May 18, 2020. As stated in the OSA report, Minnesota Statutes, section 471.6175, subdivision 7(b), authorizes the District to withdraw funds from the irrevocable OPEB trust for post-employment benefits paid for former officers and employees.
In 2019, the District asked MMKR (independent external auditors) to prepare a reconciliation of the OPEB trust, comparing eligible post-employment expenses paid by the District to the amount the District chose to draw down from the irrevocable OPEB trust account in prior years. MMKR determined the District was drawing less funds from the trust than the amounts paid out, with the District covering many of the costs; the District had $4,749,736 that had not been drawn down from the OPEB trust in previous years. In December 2019, the District drew down the $4,749,736 as a one-time draw, which was allowed via statute listed above as well as with approval by MMKR and the Minnesota Department of Education.
2. Fund Balance and Budget
Request: Provide information relating to the fund balance and the budget of the District's General Fund.
OSA Recommendation: We recommend the District balance its budgets and increase the fund balance in the General Fund to avoid possible statutory operating debt.
District Response: The Robbinsdale Area School District’s fiscal year commences July 1 of each year, which is consistent with most school districts. The School Board, by law (Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.77, subdivision 4), must have a budget adopted for the upcoming fiscal year prior to July 1. District budgets can be found on the Business Services / Finance webpage.
School finances are complex and include various funding streams including tax dollars, state and federal funding, which can fluctuate from year to year. Enrollment also contributes to our district funding and can impact budgets as well. The District has worked hard over the past five years to strategically re-align budgets so we can move forward with balanced budgets and rebuild the fund balance through various methods, including:
- Guidance of Baker Tilly Report (2014/2015)
- Collaborated with our employee groups
- Worked with our community to pass an operational referendum increase in 2018 (effective fiscal year 2019)
BallotPedia, a nonprofit organization, shows we’ve been working since 1992 to work on rebuilding balances.
3. Credit Card Policies and Usage
Request: Provide information on the District's policies and usage of credit cards (also known as purchasing cards or P Cards).
OSA Recommendation: We recommend the District's P Card policy and procedures manual be reviewed and updated to include items for which the District can and has been using P Cards, such as travel. We also recommend the audits of the District's P Cards, as required by the P Card policy and procedures manual, be performed on a routine/rotating basis. To comply with Minnesota statutes, all purchases should be supported by itemized receipts or claim forms. The documentation should include information on what is being purchased and who it is for (i.e., building site, classroom, program). Meal-related purchases should include a description of who the meal(s) was purchased for and who was in attendance, the reason for having to purchase the meal(s), and why it was necessary to provide a meal at that time.
District Response: District policy requires documentation for purchases paid with P cards. Monthly transactions are reviewed and signed off by either an Executive Director or Program Director. The District implemented new travel authorization guidelines during the 2019-2020 school year. To ensure accounting practices and controls are in alignment, the District is conducting a thorough review of the P Card manual. In addition, district finance staff will implement a monthly P card sampling review as part of the reconciliation process.
Sept. 2020 District Update: The P Card manual review and update was completed in August 2020. The sampling review process began August 2020.
4. Authorization of Expenditures
Request: Provide information regarding the District's authorization for the payment of expenditures, including what documentation should be included in the School Board meeting minutes relating to expenditures.
OSA Recommendation: We recommend the School Board consider delegating the approval of expenditures to the Superintendent or the Director of Finance as allowed under Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.52, subdivision 2.
District Response: District expenditures will continue to be listed as a disbursement report under the consent agenda during School Board meetings. District procedures provide for approval of purchases by the district purchasing department, school principals or department heads. The District has a procedure for contracted services and invoices are reviewed to ensure proper approvals are in place prior to processing payments.
September 2020 District Update: The District reviewed administrative procedure 701AP and recommended the School Board adopt it as Policy 70, which allows the District to delegate approval of expenditures to the Superintendent or Director of Finance. The Board voted on Sept. 21 to approve.
5. Access to Financial/Budget Information
Request: Provide information regarding the access to budget information by principals of the various schools.
No recommendation given by the OSA. The report says that based on their tests, principals have access to the budget information for which they are responsible. The principal is responsible for managing the budget total. Thus, line item overages need to be covered by line item underages elsewhere in their budget.
District Response: The District has a process in place for school principals to access budget information. Building principals and program directors can access their budget information through the Skyward Financial System. Principals, Program Directors and/or their designated staff can run a report in the Skyward Financial System to get summary budget information to include budget, expenses, purchase orders and balances. A detailed report can be run to view all transactions for each budget code. Either of these reports can be run at any time.
6. TIES/Sourcewell Contract
Request: Provide information regarding the approval of contracts with TIES/Sourcewell. The petitioners also requested information regarding the relationship between the District and TIES/Sourcewell, which is addressed in item 14.
OSA Recommendation: We recommend the School Board implement procedures to ensure professional service contracts are Board approved or the approval is designated to the Superintendent or Business Manager as allowed under Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.52, subdivision 2.
District Response: The District has a process in place by which contracts are approved by the school board.
7. Title I Funds
Request: Provide information regarding how the Title I program is funded and information about payments to other school districts with these funds.
No recommendation given by the OSA. The report provided information about the District's Title I expenditure reporting and payments to other districts, noting no discrepancies, and identified that the District provided corrective action plans to address findings reporting during its annual audits.
District Response: Based on recommendations from the Fiscal Year 2019 annual audit conducted by MMKR (independent external auditors) the District's Fiscal Operations Director and Title I Coordinator review all salaries and benefits being charged to the Title I program to ensure only allowable costs are being claimed for federal reimbursement. This process began fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019).
8. Compensatory Funds
Request: Provide an explanation on what schools districts need to do to determine how compensatory funds are allocated and used.
No recommendation given by the OSA. The report outlined how the District allocates and chooses eligible uses for compensatory funds. Compensatory funds are determined under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.10, subdivision 3(a).
District Response: The District’s procedures are in compliance with Minnesota State statutes.
9. Open Enrollment
Request: Provide clarification on the open enrollment requirements and process.
No recommendation given by the OSA. The report outlined the open enrollment requirement; the District's student data; and how the District handles transportation and uses its Achievement and Integration plan. Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.03, subdivision 4, allows any student to open enroll into or out of a district that has an Achievement and Integration plan approved by the MDE at any time during the school year.
District Response: Our District does not have a closed boundary, and open-enrollment is permissible through Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.03, subdivision 4. Open enrollment totals for the 2015-2019 school years are listed below.
2015-2016 School Year
Resident Students Enrolled Out: 1,643
Non-Resident Students Enrolled In: 1,739
Net Impact of Open Enrollment: 96
2016-2017 School Year
Resident Students Enrolled Out: 1,677
Non-Resident Students Enrolled In: 1,745
Net Impact of Open Enrollment: 68
2017-2018 School Year
Resident Students Enrolled Out: 1,732
Non-Resident Students Enrolled In: 1,653
Net Impact of Open Enrollment: (79)
2018-2019 School Year
Resident Students Enrolled Out: 1,760
Non-Resident Students Enrolled In: 1,818
Net Impact of Open Enrollment: 58
10. Contract Compliance
Request: Provide information regarding the contracting process and if School Board authorization was received.
OSA Recommendation: We recommend all contracts and related documentation be maintained by the District.
District Response: The District has a procedure in place for contracted services. The District follows the recommended retention schedule for all contracts and any related documentation.
11. Relocation Reimbursements
Request: Provide information regarding the reimbursements for relocation expenses to District Cabinet executives hired by the District.
No recommendation given by the OSA. The report outlined payments for the Superintendent's interview and relocation expenses (the only person eligible for these) and found the payments were allowed by contract.
District Response: Relocation reimbursements are permissible per employee contract, which is a common practice among school districts.
12. Scoreboards
Request: Provide information regarding the purchase of two video scoreboard for the high schools (Armstrong and Cooper) in the District, specifically the approval of the purchase, funding and policies for advertising.
OSA Recommendation: We recommend the Board approve contracts and agreements for sponsorships or advertising and authorize any revenue related to advertising.
District Response: The District has a process for advertising approval to ensure contracts for school sponsorship and advertising revenue receive board approval. For more information, see Administrative Procedure 905AP.
13. Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Revenue Program
Request: Provide information regarding the Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) Revenue program, specifically if it is in compliance with state regulations related to funding the program and if overhead costs were included in the program.
No recommendation given by the OSA. The report outlines that the LTFM Revenue Program was in compliance with state regulations and no overhead charges were noted as all costs were vendors, permits, bond issuance and payroll for staff working directly with the program.
District Response: The District’s Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Revenue Program continues to be in compliance with state regulations, including funding and overhead costs. Every year, the plan is approved by the School Board and the Minnesota Department of Education. Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.595 identifies the requirements for the LTFM Revenue Program.
14. Conflict of Interest - TIES/Sourcewell Contract
Request: Provide information regarding a potential conflict of interest relating to School Board member Mr. John Vento (Board member Vento) and the services provided to the District by TIES/Sourcewell.
No recommendation given by the OSA nor were there findings of a violation of statutory conflict of interest. The OSA report notes that if a board member had a conflict for this type of service contract, there exists an exception in the statute.
District Response: Allegations of a conflict of interest had been brought forth against School Board Director John Vento in October 2019, when he was at that time board chair. Mr. Vento was employed by TIES/Sourcewell with whom the district has had contracts for technology services. Director Vento disclosed a conflict of interest (identifying his employer) with the school district each of the seven years he has served on the board. Director Vento abstained from all four board votes relating to contracts with his employer during his time on the board.
15. Professional Development/Technology Stipends
Request: Provide information on the District's policy for reimbursing professional development, continuing professional education and technology stipends.
OSA Recommendation: We recommend that consistent tracking and recording be applied to all tuition and technology stipend reimbursements, including following School District policy. We also recommend the District treat employee fringe benefits appropriately for the purposes of federal and state income taxes.
District Response: The District has a process for tracking tuition and technology stipends. The District will begin taxing employees for income received through technology reimbursements in fiscal year 2021 (beginning July 1, 2020).
September 2020 District Update: Technology reimbursements are now managed through our payroll department, with appropriate taxes processed. This began on the Aug. 28, 2020 payroll.
16. Hiring Policies and Practices
Request: Provide information regarding the District's hiring practices.
No recommendation given by the OSA. The report outlines that they tested the policy of School Board approval of new hires. All staff tested were in compliance with the Board policy. The District has a process in place regarding hiring policies and practices.
District Response: No wrongdoing was found in the District's hiring processes and hiring decisions in June 2019 after an inquiry by an independent third-party investigator hired by the School Board. In addition, the Robbinsdale Area School District follows the 400-series of policies and administrative procedures approved by the School Board for employees and personnel, as well as state and federal hiring requirements.
17. School Board Meetings
Request: Provide information regarding School Board meetings and compliance with open meeting laws and the publication of School Board meeting minutes.
OSA Recommendation: We recommend that a written roll of School Board members and all other persons present at meetings closed for labor negotiations be made available to the public after the closed meeting, as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.03, subdivision 1. As a best practice, we recommend that the specific time of commencement and location of such closed meetings be specified at the open meeting. We also recommend minutes of School Board meetings be published within 30 days of the meeting, as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.09, subdivision 10. The appropriate state office for the School District or members of the public to contact for additional information on open meeting requirements is the Data Practices Office at the Minnesota Department of Administration.
District Response: The District continues to refine practices to ensure existing Administrative Procedures are followed and adhere to Minnesota statute for open meetings.
Truth in Taxation
Booster-PTO-PTA Accounting and Operations
Students are afforded many unique opportunities to showcase talents and skills as a result of the support made available from the dedication of these volunteer organizations. On behalf of the students, faculty and administration we want to express our appreciation and gratitude. Thank you!
In order to keep booster club /parent organizations informed, the following guidelines have been established. The guidelines are meant
to assist all organizations in staying in compliance with applicable Federal/State laws and local school district policies.
Booster Clubs/parent organizations are integral parts in supporting and strengthening the programs and student groups of Robbinsdale Area Schools.
Accounting and Operations Manual for Booster Clubs, PTO and PTA
- Introduction
- Outside Organizations - Booster Clubs/PTO/PTA
- Required Notification to the District
- Affiliation Requirements
- Procedures
Introduction
Booster Clubs and Parent-Teacher Organizations or Associations are organizations that are separate entities from the school district. As such, they have their own federal tax identification number, independent governing board, establish their own policies and maintain their own set of accounting records. They also maintain a separate checking account. For fundraising purposes, these organizations are formed as non-profit entities which must be registered and follow federal and state regulations to maintain their exemption statuses. These organizations MUST NOT take advantage of or use the District’s tax identification number.
These valuable organizations provide a needed source of financial support for school activities. However, a separation between these organizations and the school district must be maintained so that third parties are not misled into believing that the organization is part of the school district. It is imperative that strict and proper accounting practices are followed in order to ensure this separation.
Outside Organizations - Booster Clubs/PTO/PTA
These organizations are created by interested adult groups and managed by adults with various adults as officers. They raise funds through fundraising events, dues payments from adult members or from contributions from other organizations. They may operate concessions at special events and other projects on school property with student help with prior board approval. In all cases, adults implement, monitor and control the activities. The adult members of the organization make the decisions. There should be periodic meetings of the organization with minutes supporting these meetings.
Required Notification to the District
- The names of the organizations’ officers and contact information including: home and email addresses and current phone number should be submitted to the school office at the beginning of each school year and/or when there is a change in the officers.
- Name of financial institution where the organization maintains its checking account.
- Names and contact information of the organization’s authorized signatories.
Affiliation Requirements
The following guidelines ensure a great working partnership between the District and the booster clubs, PTA, and PTO organizations
- The organization’s income must not be from students. Collecting dues or other fees from students makes the organization resemble a District sanctioned student organization.
- Organizations running non-school sponsored events should have separate insurance policies (AIM Insurance) to protect the organization and its members.
- Use of district kitchens will be made in coordination with the Child Nutrition department to ensure compliance with the Minnesota food code and Hennepin County licensing protocols.
- Use of district facilities will be made in coordination with the school secretary where the event will be held. Please note that certain requests may be referred to the facilities scheduler.
Procedures
The following management and accounting guidelines are recommended for booster clubs and parent-teacher organizations or associations.
- Information regarding the financial activities of the organization should be maintained in an organized and easily accessible format. This information should include receipts, the source of the receipts, expenditures including the payee’s information and description of the purchase or service provided and beginning and ending balances.
- Whenever it is practical, the organization should establish a separation of duties as a mechanism of supporting its officers. This separation may entail the following:
- A designated officer, other than the treasurer, should initial and sign each invoice or request for payment.
- The bank statement should be mailed to the president of the organization and passed on to the treasurer to reconcile and create reports for the membership or leadership team.
- All fundraising activities and donations should be approved by the membership or leadership team.
- All requests for payments of invoices or donations to the school district should be approved by the membership.
- The treasurer or bookkeeper should prepare an annual financial report for the membership. This report should include the beginning and ending balances of the organization’s accounts, the ending checking account and investment balances, the total amount of receipts by payer, a list of payments by vendor, with the amounts and purpose of the expenditure.
- Expenditures must be deemed necessary for the organization’s fundraising activities and for the management of the organization. No District related expenses may be purchased or paid for directly by these organizations. School district related expenses must be sent to the school as donations and accepted by the school board as a gift through the district gift procedure. Expenditures for school equipment, stipends for district employees, coach salaries, payments for bus trips are examples of expenditures that must not be directly made by the organization. These are school-related expenditures. When the organization wishes to donate money for the purchase of equipment, supplies or other financial support for student activities, the funds for the designated activity or piece of equipment or supply item must be received by the school district PRIOR TO a purchase order being issued or a student activity being scheduled. Donated equipment/supplies become the property of the school district.
- Checks should be endorsed by at least two members of the organization. While school district employees can be members of these organizations, they must not be signatories on PTA/PTO/Booster Club bank accounts. The organizations’ checkbooks or funds must not be housed on school district property, nor should it be in the possession of a district employee.
- Should the organization hire its own employees or contract for outside services, the organization is responsible for the filing of the applicable year-end forms including W-2 or 1099 forms. Under no circumstance should the organization directly contract or make payments for services from district employees. To do so skirts tax obligations, the District’s contract approval procedure, and the organization’s due diligence responsibilities. Even if an employee is hired by the organization and the organization performs all the required payroll procedures and files the proper payroll reports, the background check issue has been violated if the individual has dealings with district students.
- The organizations should consult with a CPA firm familiar with non-profit entities’ reporting requirements to ensure compliance with federal and state reporting requirements. This allows the organization to maintain its tax-exempt status and protects its officers and members from liabilities.
The District offers the guidelines presented above as an avenue to support the organization’s management. Each organization may have other procedures in addition to those outlined above. We welcome your comments, questions, or feedback in our pursuit of a strong partnership for the benefit of our learners.