North Bellmore Union Free School District – Financial Condition (2014M-47)

Issued Date
June 20, 2014

Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to examine the District’s financial operations and the use of fund balance for the period of July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.

Background

The North Bellmore Union Free School District is located in the Towns of Hempstead in Nassau County. The District is governed by an elected five-member Board of Education and operates five schools, with approximately 2,100 students. Budgeted appropriations for the 2013-14 fiscal year total approximately $50.5 million.

Key Findings

  • The Board significantly overestimated appropriations in its adopted budgets and consistently appropriated funds balance that was not needed.
  • The District’s unexpended surplus funds exceed the level established by Real Property Tax Law.

Key Recommendations

  • Develop and adopt budgets that include realistic estimates for appropriations and unexpended surplus funds.
  • Review fund balance and develop a plan to reduce the balance to an appropriate level.