'Wait, See How Rockwood Implements Audit Action Plan Prior to Another Bond,' Says a Parent

I am a Rockwood resident, parent and taxpayer. There are always two sides to every issue, and I would like to present the opposing side to Prop S. I am not part of a committee or an organization. I am your average citizen that has observed a lack of printed literature available from those that oppose Prop S.  

Rockwood School District and their committees have been effective in distributing fliers at Parent Teacher Conferences supporting Prop S. They have sent out e-mails to our families within the district supporting Prop S, and they have had meetings held on their campuses supporting Prop S. For this reason, I have taken it upon myself to create my own printed flier for distribution.

The more informed we are as citizens, having both sides of the issues available to us, the better off we will all be.

Are We Against Bond Issues?  NO

Are We Against Prop S?  YES

Until the community’s trust is restored, a bond issue cannot be supported.

State Auditor Thomas A. Schweich, and his staff, in the audit of the Rockwood R-VI School District dated February 2013, “identified (1) deficiencies in internal controls, (2) noncompliance with legal provisions, and (3) the need for improvement in management practices and procedures.”

Inasmuch as the Rockwood Board of Education is responsible for assuring school district performance, the members of the Board must be held accountable for the deficiencies noted by the State Auditor and his staff.

The Rockwood R-VI School District needs to get its financial house in order.

During the March 7, 2013, Board of Education meeting, Rockwood R-VI School District CFO Tim Rooney noted that the District is working through the steps of an Audit Action Plan, and stated “the district fully expects to make significant progress with this action plan as we prepare for the auditor’s return in 90 days.”

The Audit Action Plan created by the District to address the deficiencies noted by the State Auditor contains over thirty (30) “Action Steps.” As of March 18, 2013, two (2) Action Steps have been completed and two (2) Action Steps are partially completed. The majority of the Action Steps are identified as either “Not Started” or “In Progress.”

The community has been fully supportive of the Rockwood R-VI School District.

As noted by the State Auditor, “in fiscal years 2003, 2006, 2008, and 2010, the district issued voter-approved bonds totaling $50.5 million, $45.5 million, $74.5 million, and $55 million, respectively.” This is a commitment by the community of $225.5 million over just the past ten (10) years.

Prudence dictates that we wait and see how Rockwood R-VI School District implements its Audit Action Plan prior to approving another bond issue. 

The community has demonstrated its commitment to the Rockwood R-VI School District. It is time for the Rockwood R-VI School District to demonstrate its commitment to the community.

Thank you,

Nancy Robinson
Wildwood