By Donna
Williamson
Opelika Observer

The Opelika City Schools’ Board of Education approved five new policies in reference to federal funds at its October meeting. These policies include: cash management of federal funds, conflict or interest, determination of allowable costs, procurement, and travel. Dr. Mark Neighbors, superintendent, explained that these policies are compliant with new federal regulations.
“We must be very aware of conflict of interest,” Neighbors said. According to this policy, conflict of interest exists when a board member, board employee, or agent of the board participates in a matter that is likely to have a direct effect on his or her personal and financial interests.
Board members rejected a bid for graphing calculator bundles for the math department at Opelika High School. Kenneth Burton, assistant superintendent, explained that the bid included bundles of 10 instead of 30 as specified. Therefore, the bid did not meet the specifications.
Chris Harrison, chief financial officer, presented the monthly financial report for August 2016. “We ended the fiscal 11 months with an excess of revenues over expenditures,” Harrison said. “We are in good financial shape.”
Assistant Superintendent Jean Miller presented the annual strategic report.
Miller noted that from September 2015 through September 2016, Opelika Schools’ enrollment has increased by 156 students. “We continue to educate every child every day,” she said.