LFC Comments by Brian Massie, Riverside School District taxpayer
June 4, 2022
We give special thanks to Mr. Gary Platko, Treasurer and CFO of the Riverside School District, for his honesty and transparency dealing with our records request.
We asked for information on the current funds available in the school’s permanent improvement fund, and the details of when Riverside became involved in the “Responsive Classroom” curriculum and the associated costs. Here is Mr. Platko’s response to us.
Regarding the permanent improvement funds:
The district currently has $7,201,794.44 available in its permanent improvement funds. This includes $6,641,247.27 in its main permanent improvement fund (Fund 033) plus $560,547.17 in a separate permanent improvement fund (Fund 003) where the proceeds from the sale of our old elementary buildings are posted. During our last board meeting, I explained how we recently acquired that balance. If you have any additional questions regarding this, please let me know.
Regarding the Responsive Classroom curriculum:
Below is information regarding your inquiries regarding Responsive Classroom, SEL, and DEI.
The Responsive Classroom training was approved by the Board of Education on April 27, 2021. The total amount paid to the Center for Responsive Schools for staff training and professional development is $146,664.00. This was paid for using $90,064.00 of Title II-A (supporting effective instruction) and $56,600.00 of Title IV-A (student support and academic enrichment) federal grant funds. These grants are awarded by the U.S. Department of Education and are passed through the Ohio Department of Education. School districts are granted these funds each fiscal year. The district submits a grant application annually that is reviewed and approved by the Ohio Department of Education. If you would like to review the Responsive Classroom training materials, you are welcome to stop in to review a hard copy.
School districts also receive Student Wellness and Success funds through the state biennium budget. These funds started in fiscal year 2020 and were required to be accounted for in fund 467. Starting in fiscal year 2022, these funds are now required to be accounted for in the general fund. Riverside is allocated $226,470.30 for fiscal year 2022. The attached comparison guide best explains how these funds can be used and additional information can be found here:
https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Supporting-Student-Wellness.
Riverside uses these funds to contract with Crossroads for mental health services and Riverside also employs a Student Success Coordinator. I attached the job description that outlines that position.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need me to provide additional information.
Gary A. Platko, CPA
Treasurer/CFO
Riverside Local School District
585 Riverside Drive
Painesville, OH 44077
*****
Advertisements
*****
*****
Categories: Education, Riverside S.D., Uncategorized