WBESC board hears state audit report

Van Wert independent/WBESC information

The Western Buckeye ESC Governing Board heard a report on the recent state audit and also acted on resolution related to the Northwest Ohio Area Computer Services Cooperative (NOACSC) during its February meeting held at the Van Wert ESC office.

Board members approved a light agenda for the evening, which also included approval of the annual report for the Paulding County Family and Children First program.  The Board also acted on resolutions for the NOACSC (see bulleted items). The WBESC is the fiscal agent for the NOACSC.

Interim Treasurer Gary Ginter reported to the Governing Board that no material findings were cited during the annual audit of Western Buckeye Educational Service Center’s financial operations and procedures. The audit was conducted by the Ohio Auditor of State’s office.

“I want to commend both Linda Clark and former Treasurer Kristine Stuart for their commitment to responsible fiscal management,” Ginter noted. “Our goal is to continue to be fiscally responsible, to provide quality support, and to maintain cost effective services to the school districts in Paulding and Van Wert counties.”

Also during the meeting, Superintendent John Basinger updated the board on the pension reform legislature that will likely increase employee retirement contributions but likely will not increase the employer contributions. In addition, Basinger reported on recent Western Buckeye activities and several personnel issues.  The Board continued its discussion of the state budget woes and the potential impact on local school districts.

In the business portion of the regular meeting, the Board:

• Approved the minutes from the January 12 organizational and regular meetings:
• Approved the January financial reports as presented by Interim Treasurer Gary Ginter.
• Approved a memorandum of understanding between NOACSC and affected school districts regarding special education data housed at IEPAnywhere as presented.
• Approve the ITC Site Review report from the Ohio Department of Education for NOACSC as presented.
• Approved the FY 2012 Internet Services Fees proposed by NOACSC as presented.
• Went into executive session for approximately 15 minutes to discuss employment of personnel, with no action taken.

The next regular Governing Board meeting of the Western Buckeye Educational Service Center will be on Wednesday, March 9, starting at 6 p.m. in the Paulding ESC Office.