Utica Community Schools receives A+ for financial stewardship, transparency

Utica Community Schools (UCS) received high marks from its auditing firm for overall fiscal responsibility and transparency in its recently-released fiscal audit.

“Our recent audit of Utica Community Schools confirmed the district’s commitment to the highest levels of transparency,” said Donna Hanson, CPA and partner in the auditing firm of Plante Moran. “UCS should be commended for their proven track record of responsible management of taxpayer funds and their dedication to educational excellence.”

The audit was presented to the Board of Education at its October 27 meeting. Auditors noted that the audit presented was “unmodified” – representing the report’s adherence to accepted accounting principles and focus on accuracy and detail.

“Utica Community Schools is proud of our record of fiscal responsibility — maintaining high-quality education for our students while ensuring every dollar of taxpayer funds is spent effectively and responsibly,” said Board of Education president Dr. Carol Klenow. “This latest audit demonstrates the district’s leadership in maintaining the best schools in the nation while balancing our budget during challenging economic times.”

For the third year in a row, UCS has followed the rigorous Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) reporting process to promote greater levels of reliability and use for financial reports.

The reporting process resulted in Utica Community Schools being awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO).

“The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report process promotes a greater level of reliability and use for financial reports,” said Board treasurer Dr. Robert A. Ross. “This process increases our reporting standards and ensures a high level of fiscal accountability.”

See link below for the October 27 Plante Moran audit report to the Board of Education:

http://www.uticak12.org/districtinfo/audit14.asp