Financial prowess and diligence in management have brought six Ohio school districts into the spotlight. Auditor of State Keith Faber announced today that these entities have earned the prestigious Auditor of State Award with Distinction. Among the lauded school districts are Lancaster City School District in Fairfield County, Canal Winchester, and Worthington City School Districts in Franklin County, West Geauga Local School District in Geauga County, Perry Local School District in Lake County, and Heath City School District in Licking County achieved this recognition due to their impeccable financial record-keeping, as reported by Ohio Auditor of State.
The criteria for the Auditor of State Award with Distinction are stringent and serve as a benchmark for sound fiscal responsibility; entities must not only submit their financial reports on time, without any extensions, and on a GAAP accounting basis with a CAFR but also ensure their audit report is devoid of any blemishes, such as findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or questioned costs, these are the high standards set and met by these entities according to Ohio Auditor of State's office. Auditor Faber said in the announcement, "By keeping accurate financial records, governing bodies demonstrate their commitment to efficient, effective, and transparent service," underlining the importance of meticulous financial administration in public institutions.
This affirmation of excellence, however, extends beyond clean audits. The entities honored with the Auditor of State Award have also passed the scrutiny of management letters free of comments related to ethics referrals, questioned costs under the Uniform Guidance threshold, untimely report submissions, bank reconciliation issues, and failed timely Single Audits in accordance with Uniform Guidance or findings for recovery under $500. Among these distinctions, public meetings and records also stand rigorous assessment, as these facilities have demonstrated an absence of related concerns.
The recognition by the State Auditor not only represents a gold star for individual districts but also sends a message to the public that their trust has been well-placed and their tax dollars effectively managed. These schools hold not only the education of youth in their care but also the fiscal responsibility entrusted to them by their communities. Interested parties can take a closer look at the full financial reports, available for public viewing, by visiting the Auditor's website, where documents can be examined in detail.
