Businesses, individuals and schools are all struggling during this continued downturn in the economy. Many folks are asking the federal and state governments where did all the money go and why are we having such a hard time. For school districts it is easy to "trace the money," because we are subject to regular state and federal audits and to transparency requirements. For example, since our school district receives federal funds we complete regular evaluation reports and compliance reports and they are submitted to the Texas Education Agency through a secure site. As well, our technology grants are federal funds that flow to our District through the TEA, and quarterly reports, financial reports to receive reimbursement and compliance reports are all required. An audit that occurs each year that compares us from one year to the next is the annual school audit performed by an outside auditing firm. This audit looks at the full financial picture of all funds, state, local and federal for compliance and accuracy in spending and compliance. School districts are required to have this audit completed and a financial report published in the local paper after the completion of the audit. The audit as well must be formally reported to the Board of Trustees, be submitted by the Texas Education Agency and posted to the District’s website. This audit also has a bearing in the District’s FIRST report which is a financial rating that is given to the District annually by the TEA. The Board of Trustees will receive the report of the District’s annual audit at it’s regular Monthly meeting on December 15, 2010. This outside oversight provides the community, the Board of Trustees, the State of Texas and the District officials with the knowledge that the District is operating appropriately within the established guidelines and provides the stakeholders with information regarding the financial stability of the District.

Please visit www.san-saba.net to view events and find information you need to know about SSISD. As well, don’t forget to sign up for the "alerts" available from the website, and don’t miss the opportunity to sign up for the Parent Portal giving parents access to grades and attendance. Parents, let us know how we can help you the first day of school all the way until the last day of school!! If you have any question about this article or any other question about school happenings please contact me at 325/372-3144 or email me at lglaze@san-saba.net . We are San Saba! We are together!