Auditors: Hopatcong Schools 2010 Budget? Clean

Auditors have given the Hopatcong school district a clean bill of health for the fourth straight year.

There were no "recommendations—that means it was a clean audit," said Mark Wilson of Nisivoccia, a Mount Arlington-based accounting firm, of the district's $34 million 2010-2011 budget at the Board of Education meeting at the Monday night.

Wilson also called the spotless audit "rare."

Wilson and David H. Evans, also of the firm, said the district kept in touch with accountants throughout the year. "Any small issues or concerns that popped up, we discussed and took care of before they became larger issues," Wilson said.

Board of Education President Cliff Lundin said the successful audit was "remarkable."

"Last year was a disastrous year for us," he said. "We had to face cutbacks in state aid, cutbacks in the borough tax rate, a failed budget and we let 20 people go. When all was said and done, we were able to comply with every New Jersey regulation to come up with no recommendations."

Wilson said the district had no surplus and didn't overspend on it's budget.

"And when all was said and done, a $34 million budget, how much surplus did we have left?" Lundin said. "We're looking at every penny, every dollar and making sure it's assigned to the right place."

School board member Frank Farrugia Jr. credited Business Administrator Theresa Sierchio with the district's successful audit.

"That's a reelection of how well she oversees the financial aspects of the central office," he said. "Another job well done for another fiscal year."

Siercho, however, declined all the credit. She said staff members Kathleen Ward, Kathy Schwab and Susan Dykstra also play integral day-to-day roles.

"They're dedicated," Sierchio said. "Their work ethic and integrity is beyond reproach. … we make a great team."