GRANADA — The Granada-Huntley-East Chain School Board learned Thursday that the district has received a clean audit from Eide Bailly, a public accounting firm based in Fargo.

The report noted that the district’s general fund balance has seen a steady rise, thanks to an increase in students attending GHEC over the last few years. More students translate into more state aid.

A positive fund balance contributes to a favorable bond rating and offers a cushion for unexpected expenditures.

“Revenues came about $1.3 million higher than budgeted for and expenses came in about $950,000 more than anticipated,” said a representative of Eide Bailly. “There are a few driving factors going into those numbers. One of them would be the tornado damage, with the insurance proceeds coming in to cover those additional costs. That was about $650,000.”

In other business, activities director Erin Roiger reported that fall sports are nearly complete for the year. She said 67 students in grades 7-12 participated in fall sports.

“Twenty-eight students participated in theater arts with the show ‘Yard Sale,'” she said. “I was really impressed with the performances [at the Fairmont Opera House] and would like to applaud our theater arts department for getting the play done.”

“This week, girls basketball started,” Roiger added. “Boys basketball starts next Monday.”

The middle school and high school concert will be Dec. 9, while the elementary concert will be Dec. 16.

Roiger said Knowledge Bowl will begin in December.

Principal Taylor Topinka also offered a report, saying parent-teacher conferences were well-attended over the past week.

He also noted there was a recent teacher in-service day that took place in which teachers underwent active shooter training with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and the Fairmont Police Department.

Speaking of the annual Veterans Day program that took place recently at GHEC, Topinka said, “It’s amazing how much support our community gives to Veterans Day, and how much the students and staff and everyone gets into the ceremony. It was impressive to see.”

In other action, the board:

o Approved Jacob Lee as a long-term substitute for middle school math.

o Approved leave for Mikayla Krzywicki beginning in January.

o Approved leave for Sierra Hartke beginning at the end of April and continuing through May 2020.