SLSD Receives Clean Audit from the State

(Harrison, Oh.) - The Southwest Local School District has received a Clean Audit Award from the Ohio Auditor of State. 

The Auditor of State’s Office presents the awards to local governments and school districts upon the completion of a financial audit. “By keeping accurate financial records, governing bodies demonstrate their commitment to efficient, effective, and transparent service,” Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber said. “This award honors public entities that have put in the hard work to keep their finances in order."

Entities that receive the award meet the following criteria of a “clean” audit report:
•    The entity must file financial reports with the Auditor of State’s Office by the statutory due date, without extension, via the Hinkle System and in accordance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles);
•    The audit report does not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weakness, significant deficiencies, Uniform Guidance (Single Audit) findings or questioned costs;
•    The entity’s management letter contains no comment related to:
      o    Ethics referrals
      o    Questioned costs less than the threshold per the Uniform Guidance
      o    Lack of timely annual financial report submission
      o    Bank reconciliation issues
      o    Failure to obtain a timely Single Audit in accordance with Uniform Guidance
      o    Findings for recovery less than $500
      o    Public meetings or public records issues
•    The entity has no other financial or other concerns

“We are proud of our ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, ensuring that every dollar is used to enhance student achievement and maintain a strong financial foundation,” said SLSD Treasurer Thomas Lowe. “This audit reinforces our dedication to transparency and efficiency in serving our students, families, and community. I would like to thank our finance team for their hard work and dedication, ensuring taxpayer funds are used wisely and spent according to all local, state, and federal laws.” 

The full 2024 Audited Financial Statements are available HERE. Community members who have questions or are interested in learning more can visit southwestschools.org/departments/treasurer or contact Treasurer Thomas Lowe via email at thomas.lowe@southwestschools.org or by phone at 513-367-4139.