During this week’s Washington Court House City School District Board of Education meeting, officials announced that they once again had been honored with the prestigious Auditor of State Award for their “exemplary financial practices during the fiscal year 2023 audit.”

This marks the ninth year that the district has received this recognition.

The Auditor of State’s office bestows this award upon public entities that demonstrate exceptional adherence to the strict financial reporting standards and accountability measures. To qualify for this award, the entity must meet stringent criteria outlined by the Auditor of State’s Office, ensuring a “clean” audit report without any findings for recovery, material citations or other financial concerns.

“We are thrilled to receive this esteemed award for yet another year,” said Becky Mullins, treasurer/CFO of Washington Court House City School District. “It is a testament of unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability upheld by our district. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team,especially the staff of the treasurer’s department, whose diligence and expertise have been instrumental in maintaining our financial integrity.”

WCHCS officials extended their sincere appreciation to all staff members and stakeholders who have contributed to this success, including those involved in determining and utilizing state and federal dollars. Their continued support and adherence to guidelines and procedures have been integral to achieving this recognition, according to the district.

“Fiscal responsibility and accountability of taxpayer dollars remain our top priorities,” added Mullins. “We are committed to upholding the highest standards of financial management to ensure the continued success and prosperity of our district.”

WCHCS was also awarded, for the fourth year in a row, four stars under the Auditor of State Star Rating System (StaRS), which monitors transparency in government. Local governments are awarded one star by meeting every Sunshine Law requirement and they can earn up to three additional stars by implementing best practices.Transparency aids in government accountability, efficiency and effectiveness in regards to public dollars. Ohio Sunshine laws ensure all citizens are granted the right to have a broad access to government records and meetings.

“Receiving the auditor of State Award in any given year is a significant accomplishment, as less than 13% of all local governments in the state of Ohio are recipients. Having now received nine of the Auditor of State Awards and receiving four out of four stars for transparency for the four years since its inception, is something of which the Washington Court House City Schools and the community should be extremely proud. We will continue to work hard everyday to uphold this level of excellence,” said Mullins.

Also during the meeting, the board approved Anthony Sheets as the new assistant principal at the Washington Middle School.

“I’m super excited to join the district and I’m blessed to be here,” said Sheets.

The next regularly-scheduled WCHCS board meeting is set for Monday, May 20 at 7 p.m. in the district office.