The auditor’s report, presented by Steve Wilcott, highlighted the district’s robust financial health. The report rendered an unqualified, or “clean,” opinion on the district’s financial statements, with no substantial findings or compliance issues. Wilcott commended the district’s finance department, led by board secretary and business administrator Eron Fill, for their exceptional work, stating the Bogota Board of Education has “one of the better business offices” he has worked with.

However, the audit did reveal an excess of cash resources in the district’s food service fund, exceeding the three-month average expenses by about $222,000. Wilcott attributed this excess to grants and federal money received since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The auditor advised the board to spend down the fund to comply with regulations.

In addition to the audit report, the board also announced progress on the school renovation projects approved in a recent referendum. Bidding and awarding bids for various projects, including classroom renovations at the district’s elementary school and toilet renovations at the Bogota Senior High School, have commenced as per schedule. Board President Frank Miranda appreciated the board’s commitment and progress on the renovation projects, stating they were “moving forward as promised.”

The board also announced that a review of the field renovation plans, as part of the renovation projects, would be presented to the town’s zoning board on November 28th.

Board member Jose Chavez expressed his gratitude to the administration and fellow board members for their collective efforts in maintaining the district’s financial health. He emphasized the importance of continuing the work they are doing as they move forward.