FAQ: GCS Financial Update
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does the state provide accounting services to schools?
The State Board of Accounts provides support to school districts in meeting the regulatory requirements of accountability and business operations.
What is the purpose of utilizing outside financial experts?
Public finance experts, Baker Tilly, have been hired to give us a broader and unbiased approach to identifying where GCS can be more efficient and effective.
How long will this process take?
The process has already begun. The length of time will be determined by the GCS School Board and the GCS administration to ensure that the process is thorough and provides the district with sound recommendations.
How will parents, staff, and community members be informed?
In keeping with our commitment to provide timely information, GCS will use typical avenues to reach all stakeholders, including but not limited to: school board meetings, staff updates and community letters.
A few years ago, GCS was successful in passing a building and operating referendum. How has that money been used?
The referendum was passed in spring 2018. The purpose of this additional tax revenue was to fund academic and educationally related programs, staff a new school and retain teachers. Teachers were given a 5% raise over two years, which helped retain veteran teachers. The new Goshen Intermediate School was built, along with a classroom addition to Goshen High School and renovations at Goshen Junior High. The renovations at GJHS allowed GCS to move programs into the school instead of paying rent to other entities. The new school, addition at GHS, and renovations at GJHS will serve Goshen students well for generations.
What have the benefits been for the new Goshen Intermediate School (GIS)?
The GCS intermediate school has been planned for several years to address overcrowding in all seven elementary schools and to address the size/number of students at the middle school. The intermediate school was originally planned to be built in 2008. If GIS was not built, GCS would have been forced to build more expensive additions to every school building. GCS is proud of the new school and the educational opportunities that it affords our students. This school will also support future growth in Goshen.
How will my child(ren) be affected?
We are committed to creating and maintaining educational programs which are effective and sustainable so that we can continue to offer challenging and relevant instruction which meets the needs of each student. We are also committed to keeping small class sizes in grades K-4. Goshen Community Schools will continue to offer the same student opportunities while becoming more fiscally responsible.
Goshen has excellent co curricular opportunities such as music, band, art, clubs, and sports. How will these be affected?
Co Curricular programs are an important element of the learning experience, and GCS is committed to keeping these opportunities for our students. We provide high-quality programs and opportunities in a more cost-effective manner.
How will the effectiveness of programs and services be determined?
Program evaluation is a regular part of the district’s responsibilities. The GCS school board and administration will determine the effectiveness of current programming, while considering standard criteria for excellence, along with financial stability.
Goshen has always had a strong partnership with the community. How will parents and staff have a voice?
We value the partnership and involvement of parents, staff, and community members. GCS will incorporate the voice of all stakeholders in major decisions.