FELCH TOWNSHIP — The North Dickinson County School District will finish the year almost $300,000 in the black, better than expected, a district official said.

A recent audit showed the district was able to add another $60,587 to its general fund, raising the total to $278,145, which represents about 11 percent of its annual expenditures, finance director Michael Roell said.

While the auditors ideally recommend 15 percent, maintaining at least 10 percent is considered good, Roell said.

“We’re very happy … with the financial shape we’re in at this point,” Roell said.

Especially considering the district continues to deal with declining enrollment, with pupil counts down about 10 students this year and expected to drop by a similar number next year, he said.

Even with the state adding $240 per pupil this year, the district still lost $16,000 this year.

“That’s one of the challenges of a smaller district,” Roell said, adding, “we’re not out of the woods yet.”

North Dickinson also has hired a new bus driver, Cheryl Haney, who started Monday and will mainly handle the Ralph route.