Auditor of State Award honors district’s financial reporting
VERMILION — Vermilion Local Schools Treasurer/CFO Justin Klingshirn and the district’s financial team were recognized June 8 with the Auditor of State Award, honoring the district for another clean financial audit.
Scott Sands, northwest regional liaison for the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office, presented the award during the Vermilion Board of Education meeting.
Sands said the award reflects several consecutive clean audits for the district and noted that fewer than 8% of political subdivisions audited by the office receive the recognition.
The Auditor of State Award is presented to public entities that meet clean audit standards, including timely filing of financial reports and audit reports with no findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, questioned costs or other financial concerns.
Klingshirn said the recognition reflects work across the district, not only in the treasurer’s office.
“This award, it takes a ton of people to make this happen,” Klingshirn told the board.
He thanked building secretaries, administrators and district staff members who help maintain records and documentation throughout the year. He specifically credited Monica Sweinhagen, Kelly Gross and Sandy Williams, along with principals, counselors and others who play a role in the district’s financial process.
In a separate interview, Klingshirn said the annual audit is an independent review of the district’s financial records and is required for school districts. He said auditors review whether taxpayer dollars are spent lawfully and whether the district’s financial records match bank statements and required documentation.
“They’re looking at everything to make sure that we’re following every single rule, every single regulation, every single requirement,” Klingshirn said.
He said clean audits depend on careful documentation of financial transactions and compliance with federal and state requirements.
Board members congratulated Klingshirn following the presentation.
