For as long as they’ve had a checkbook to balance, two local charter schools have been recognized for their financial management.

New Century Charter School has received the statewide School Finance Award the past four consecutive years and New Discoveries Montessori Academy is in its second year earning the honor.

“I’ve said it before; it’s not all about the money, but it’s all about the money,” said New Discoveries Director Dave Conrad. “If you don’t have that piece in place, everything else is impacted by it.”

The Minnesota Department of Education analyzes each district’s finances that apply for the award. This year, 549 districts applied but only 74 were given the award. Districts and schools are judged on fiscal health, management and accountability and compliance with state statutes on financial issues.

“I think it’s always been a goal of ours to be responsible, to be good stewards,” Conrad said. “We’re not spending our money, we’re spending the money of the people we serve, so we need to be responsible.”

For the full story, check out the Thursday, Jan. 24 print edition of the Leader.

(Lesley Christianson is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader.)
christianson@hutchinsonleader.com