Auditor commends NMC R-1 District following 2014-15 financial review

NEW MADRID - It was good news from auditors following a review of the New Madrid County R-1 District's finances for 2014-15.

Jeff Stroder with Beussink, Hey, Roe and Stroder LLC presented the 2014-2015 annual financial audit report to the R-1 Board during the December meeting. Stroder commended the district on its financial reports and praised the district's personnel on their efforts to work with the auditors according to Dr. Cynthia Sharp Amick, superintendent. Following Stroder's presentation, the board approved the report.

This is the third year the company has conducted the district's audit, Amick noted.

The R-1 District's insurance was renewed with the Missouri United School Insurance Council at a cost of $246,274. The insurance includes coverage for property and equipment, buses, general liability, school board liability and workman's compensation, Amick said.

Approval was given for the administration to place money raised from the advertisements displayed on the New Madrid County Central High School's video boards in its gymnasium in a designated account assigned by the director of business and finance. Money raised will be designated for a marquee for the front of NMCC District/Central Office/High School/Technical Skills Center on 310 U.S. Highway 61.

Amick said there are still sponsorships available on the video board. Those interested in becoming sponsors should contact Laura Ort, New Madrid County R-1 athletic director.

Two more names will be added to the Memory Board. At the December meeting, board members approved adding the names of Joe Edward Albright and James Harrison White.

In November, the New Madrid County R-1 Board of Education established a board for patrons to purchase a plate in memory of a person who has contributed to the R-1 District. Each plate is $100.

Persons interested in purchasing a plate in memory of a "proud Eagle supporter" may submit a request for board approval to Pam Riley, 310 US Highway 61, New Madrid, MO, 63869 or call 573-688-2161.

All proceeds are donated to the New Madrid County R-1 Foundation.

A request from the New Madrid Historical Museum to install signs on NMCC High School property drawing attention to and providing information about the Lilbourn Fortified Village Site was approved. The site is south of high school/middle school complex at the Mounds Park Cemetery.

One sign will be directional and one will be about the history of mounds and the Mississippian culture, Amick said. The project is part of the museum's effort to increase local tourism, she added.

Jan. 15 and Feb. 12 were approved as make-up days for the two days school was out while electrical improvements were made at the Central High School campus. The superintendent noted this will provide 10 days at the end of the school year left for the inclement weather days.

In other action by the board:

* The Board approved budget adjustments for the 2015-2016 school year.

* Personnel: Ashley Brewer was transferred from Matthews to Middle School assistant. The following individuals were hired: Corey Jamerson, who will teach kindergarten at New Madrid Elementary; Allison Amick as a kindergarten teacher at Matthews Elementary and Emily Delisle, fourth grade teacher at Matthews Elementary.

* In reporting on attendance and enrollment, Amick said the district's enrollment currently is 1,400 students. Attendance at the district's five buildings currently is just above 90 percent.