Audit shows student activity accounts largely verified; committee accepts marching-band donation and hears policy first reads

The Auburn School Committee reviewed a multi‑year audit of student activity accounts on March 4 and accepted a $750 donation for the Auburn High School Marching Band.

Mrs. Stanek presented the audit findings, walking the committee through verification forms and true balances for numerous accounts. She reported the TV/Video Club's true balance at $2,529.20 and noted the class of 2027’s true balance as $15,213.59 carried forward; many discrepancies from earlier reviews were resolved with deposit slips and Munis records. The audit team confirmed that most transactions were backed by documentation and that outstanding variances had been substantially reduced from earlier estimates.

Committee members asked about recurring 'found money' instances and why some clubs carry balances from year to year. The administration said it would push to reduce cash handling and move toward electronic payments via the town’s Unibank/Unipay system for field trips and class dues to improve transparency and reduce risk. The team also noted new training requiring advisers to deposit funds within 24 hours.

In business, the committee accepted with gratitude a $750 gift from the Sturbridge 250th Committee to help defray Auburn High School Marching Band costs; the motion to accept the donation passed by voice vote under MGL c.44 §53A. The committee heard first reads on three policies (AC nondiscrimination wording updates, ACA nondiscrimination related to sexual orientation/gender identity, and FFA on permanent memorials), and members suggested clarifying that decisions about permanent memorials should involve both the principal and superintendent.

The administration said it will continue audits at Auburn Middle School and return with additional reconciliations and proposed process changes to limit large carryover balances.