External Audit to be Presented at School Board Meeting
The Huntington School District's business office and financial practices have been well ahead of the curve. Many years before scandals were exposed in the Roslyn and William Floyd school districts, the Huntington School Board and district executives took pride in their oversight responsibilities, questioning bills from vendors and delving into even the smallest money matters to guard against waste, fraud or abuse.
These stringent practices have allowed the district to be a fine example for other school systems across Long Island. Community residents can go to sleep at night knowing their tax dollars are being used appropriately and meeting the letter of the law.
At its next meeting on December 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Jack Abrams School auditorium, the Huntington School Board will host a public presentation by Jill Sanders, CPA, a partner in Cullen & Danowski, LLP, an accounting firm that spent several weeks auditing Huntington's financial books.
Ms. Sanders, who has 25 years of experience in public accounting, will detail the findings of Huntington's annual independent external audit, including the general financial shape of the district and she will make recommendations for improving internal controls and procedures along with how the district can continue to best protect the investment made by taxpayers, according to Assistant Superintendent David H. Grackin.
In recent years the district has complied with a variety of new state and federal laws meant to improve oversight and reporting and toughen policies and practices. A district audit committee has also been put in place.
"It is our intention to continue utilizing the tightest controls possible and taking any recommendations from our auditors to further improve the district's financial operations," Superintendent James W. Polansky said.
The public will be provided with an opportunity to address trustees and administrators about any item contained in the audit during the December 5 meeting.