School audit earns recognition

Clarkston Community Schools? financial statements are accurate and accounted for, according to their recent audit by Plante & Moran.
For the 13th year, the annual report was submitted to ASBO International for the Certificate of Excellence award.
“We believe this reflects well that we are spending our funds wisely and directing those funds into classroom instruction as much as possible,” said Cheryl McGinnis, school board president.
“It gives us a very clear and sound picture for moving forward as a district,” said Superintendent Dr. Rod Rock. “It also demonstrates the negative effects of cuts that come from the state and reminds us that we face additional fiscal challenges in the future.”
Recommendations from Plante & Moran included review of expenditures for federal grants by those responsible for them. Also, the district should continually monitor policies for purchase cards.
They also advised the district make sure semi-annual certifications for employees charging their time to Title 1 have them, and maintain them. According to the audit, the district failed to maintain personnel activity reports in the required format for co-funded employees and failed to obtain semi annual certifications for paraprofessionals.
“The administration has already taken steps to update and streamline how they account for and track Title I dollars and those items in the audit have already been addressed,” said McGinnis.
This year’s audit cost $46,100, out of the General Fund in the business services department.