The United South Central School district in southern Minnesota thought it was in deep financial trouble — one of 18 state school districts in statutory operating debt — but a further check found an accounting error made in 2007-2008 and that means the school actually has a surplus.

The district, south of Mankato, actually cut $300,000 from its budget last spring, partly because of the debt problem, said the Mankato Free Press.

Superintendent Jerry Jensen said: “It’s really like a cloud has been lifted from over our heads. It’s changed the whole atmosphere here.”

He said there’s a possibility of restoring some of those cuts — mostly to administrative positions, including his, which is part-time — but declining state aid may hamper the effort.

“We still have obstacles,” Jensen said, referring to the district’s enrollment. “But at least we’ll be starting with a little cushion.”