Auditors Tab Huntington
a Model District
Huntington School Board members have been told the Huntington School District's financial operations are "very well run" and serve as a "model" for other districts.
The glowing comments were made during an early October public presentation of an internal auditing report prepared by Sheehan & Company. The auditing firm performed a risk assessment that covered the areas of governance and control environment, student performance data, facilities construction and maintenance, state aid and grants, purchasing and accounts payable, claims audit report, unemployment, Worker's Compensation, special education and student support services and a follow-up to the prior year's findings.
An internal auditor reviews processes and procedures of departments and offices in a school district. In Huntington, an audit committee consisting of school trustees Elizabeth Black and Richard McGrath and community member and CPA Lynn Kiraly, meets with the internal auditor before the audit to outline the scope of work and afterwards to review the results.
"We found the district's internal controls here are excellent," said Robert C. Armbrecht, Jr. who presented the firm's findings along with Patti Nelson. The written report runs 20 pages and is available on the Huntington School District's website at www.hufsd.edu.
Ms. Nelson commended the district's business office and said the firm has "never come across a district with such excellent controls and people." The district's seven trustees and residents in the audience said they were pleased with Sheehan & Company's findings.
"Given the budget constraints we continually face it is worthwhile to note that our offices and departments still meet and exceed standards set by outside agencies," said David H. Grackin, assistant superintendent for finance and management services.
In summing up this year's report and findings, Ms. Nelson said the "district is very well run," adding "this is a model district." Trustees asked Mr. Grackin to let the other business office employees know how much their work is appreciated.