July 10, 2024 -- Columbus City Schools (CCS) has earned the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada's (GFOA) prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 24th consecutive year. This honor recognizes CCS's annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.
"Our commitment to fiscal responsibility is crucial in maintaining the educational framework for our students," said Columbus Board of Education President Christina Vera. "This prestigious recognition, achieved with the invaluable support of our stakeholders, highlights the Treasurer's Office's steadfast dedication to transparency, efficiency, and financial soundness."
Board Member and Chair of the Equitable & Transparent Resource Management Committee Jennifer Adair, emphasized, "We are honored to celebrate this significant milestone, which underscores our dedication to financial stability and unwavering commitment to exemplary budgetary stewardship of taxpayer funds. Our financial report, meticulously scrutinized by an impartial panel of experts, meets GFOA's high standards and embodies a 'spirit of full disclosure.' It adeptly narrates the financial story of Columbus City Schools, promoting an understanding of our fiscal operations and fiduciary responsibilities among stakeholders."
The GFOA Certificate of Achievement is not just an award but the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. Its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management in maintaining the highest financial transparency and accountability standards.
"Our vision in the Treasurer's Office is to provide financial stewardship with integrity, investment, and innovation for our schools and community," said Columbus City Schools Interim Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Vanover. "This award validates our staff's hard work and dedication in accomplishing this vision."
The GFOA is an organization dedicated to advancing excellence in government finance. With more than 21,000 members and a mission to provide best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research, GFOA supports government organizations and communities in pursuing financial excellence, ensuring that they are well-informed and equipped to make sound financial decisions.
About Columbus City Schools
Columbus City Schools, established in 1845, is the state of Ohio's largest school district, serving the needs of 47,000 students in 113 schools. The District, which employs more than 9,000 teachers and staff, is under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman and a seven-member Board of Education. The mission of Columbus City Schools is that each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.
About the Government Finance Officers Association
The Government Finance Officers Association is an association of more than 21,000 government finance professionals. Founded in 1906, GFOA provides best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research to help government finance professionals excel and serve their communities effectively.
Please visit the GFOA website for more information about the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
