The Ridgefield School District has received a clean audit from the Washington State Auditor's Office demonstrating that the district has safeguarded public resources. The audit examined the areas of accountability, financial statements, and federal grant compliance for the district's fiscal year from Sept. 1, 2021 to Aug. 31, 2022. Due to the size of its enrollment and annual budget, the district undergoes a thorough financial audit every year.
\r\nIndependent state auditors reviewed Ridgefield's payroll, purchases and public works, accounts payable, use of restricted funds, compliance with supplemental contracts for enrichment activities, open public meetings, financial condition, and cash receipting. The auditor’s report concludes that the district provided adequate controls over the safeguarding of public resources; the district complied with laws and regulations; and that there were no internal control deficiencies.
\r\n“As a public school district, we are entrusted to use public funds responsibly,” said superintendent Nathan McCann. “We take this responsibility very seriously, and I am proud of the teamwork and effort of district administrators who ensure we are properly safeguarding public funding. Receiving a clean audit is evidence of our commitment to financial transparency and efficiency, and I thank our business office staff for their hard work through the long audit process.”
\r\nThe State Auditor's Office audits school districts annually as part of its efforts to track public money and provide essential accountability and transparency for district operations. Their report states "The Office of the Washington State Auditor takes seriously our role of providing state and local governments with assurance and accountability as the independent auditor of public accounts. In this way, we strive to help government work better, cost less, deliver higher value and earn greater public trust."
\r\n“Ridgefield School District is fully committed to maintaining and building the public’s trust,” said Paula McCoy, Ridgefield School District’s Executive Director of Business Services. “"Our track record of accountability is critical, and we are pleased to have another year of clean audits that demonstrate our commitment to being good financial stewards.”
\r\nThe final reports for Ridgefield's 2021-22 audits are available on the State Auditor’s Office website and include the following:
\r\n●\tAccountability Report for the period September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2022: Examines the use and safeguarding of public resources from fraud, loss, or abuse. Looks at compliance with state laws and regulations, internal policies and procedures, and internal controls. The report looks at the district’s use of “restricted funds” (meaning that money that is allocated for a specific use has to be used for that purpose). Also tracks and monitors theft of sensitive assets like computers and other tech equipment. View the Accountability Report here.
\r\n●\tFinancial Statements Report for the period September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2022: Provides an opinion on whether financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with the applicable reporting framework. Examines records for fraud and/or large errors or misstatements.
\r\n●\tFederal Single Audit Report for the period September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2022: Required when a district spends more than $750,000 annually in federal assistance funding and determines compliance with federal requirements. View the Financial Statements and Federal Single Audit Report here.