O.I.S.D. gains audit approval

Mike Boehnke The Oakwood School Board met last night to find out the results of their scheduled financial audit. Mike Boehnke, from the office of John R. Pechecek, C.P.A., gave his take on how the budget and subsequent audit went for the 2008-2009 year. The gym has been paid off and the only thing the school owes, for now, is the new buses. When he was finished laying it all out, Boehnke stated, "We think you're in good shape financially." That was good news to the board members.

The superintendent's report from Richard Scoggin, included the updated attendance record, which is up by three students from last month and holding at 96%, the district updates, and the honor roll report. Before the Thanksgiving break, Scoggin took fifty-one students from 6th-12th grades to CiCi's Pizza in Palestine as a reward for making the All A or A/B honor roll. He stated that he is looking forward to taking even more students at the end of this Six Weeks.

Senior Jocelyn Williams A change was made to the junior high basketball schedule. Next week's game is to be played at Calvert instead of at home. The "Highly Qualified Teacher Report" is in as well. The Elementary campus is sitting at 100% while the High School is at 98.15% due to a part-time speech position. Scoggin boasted that he was very proud of this accomplishment. Scoggin also gave a mileage reimbursement update. It showed that the new Ford Taurus that was purchased for school use is already paying for itself. Instead of paying nearly $1500 in mileage reimbursement this last month, they spent less than $200 in gas only.

City Councilwoman Bobbye Bullock was present at the meeting to support her granddaughter, Jocelyn Williams. Williams was recognized as the High School Student of the Month. During open forum, Bullock asked to speak to the board, "since I'm here." She encouraged the board to bring the Bond to vote as soon as possible. She said she felt that now that the word was out, and they had the chance to see where they may have missed the opportunity to reach some areas, that they [the school board] could learn from their mistakes and get the bond passed.

The Elementary Student of the Month, Cheyenne Powers, could not be present due to illness. The Junior Rotarian is Eric Ballard.

Scoggin had already planned on speaking to the board about the outcome of the Bond Election. When Scoggin asked what the board thought, Mack Botard, the School Board President, said, "My opinion is... the sooner the better." The other members present appeared to be in agreement. The discussion was tabled until after the Christmas and New Year's break.