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Columbus City Schools' Commitment to Financial Transparency Earns Highest Achievement in Open and Transparent Government
May 20, 2022 -- For the second consecutive year, Columbus City Schools' Treasurer's Office has received top honors from the Auditor of the State's (AOS) Star Rating System (STaRS) for the fiscal year July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. A four-star rating - the highest Achievement in Open and Transparent Government, implementing five or more best practices.
The STaRS rating system focuses on the Sunshine Law requirements of open and transparent records. Annually, the Auditor of State audits the District's receipts, invoices, timesheets, bank statements, and contracts. In addition, the AOS review ensures the District's internal controls are working effectively, and there are no deficiencies. Columbus City Schools also received the certificate in the first year of the STaRS program for the 2019 - 2020 fiscal year.
"We are pleased to receive this recognition from the Auditor of State," said Columbus City Schools Superintendent/CEO Dr. Talisa Dixon. "We appreciate the Auditor of State's commitment to auditing and reviewing Ohio's public entities' financial statements and controls."
This state-wide honor compliments the national recognition Columbus City Schools has received for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
"For over 30 years, the District's ACFR has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. These recognitions and awards from outside organizations confirm my office's commitment to financial transparency and our department's mission - "Providing financial stewardship with integrity, investment, and innovation for our schools and community," said Columbus City Schools Treasurer/CFO Stanley Bahorek.
The AOS conducts compliance testing to ensure Columbus City Schools follows local, state, and federal laws and regulations. As a result, Columbus City Schools received the Highest Achievement Award in Open and Transparent Government from the Ohio Auditor of State.