Niles schools prepare to leave fiscal watch

NILES — After more than 12 years under the fiscal-watch designation, the city’s 2,500-student school district is finally about to emerge from state scrutiny, its deficits eliminated.

“We have been very conservative and good stewards of finances,” said Linda Molinaro, district treasurer.

The board of education approved a resolution today requesting the state auditor “to determine if all requirements for release from fiscal watch’ have been met.”

Board members said they have no doubt the auditor will agree to end the designation, which was imposed in 2003.

The turnaround is a far cry from the district’s bleakest financial picture in 2012, when five-year deficits were projected at nearly $3 million and the schools were on the verge of being declared in fiscal emergency.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com