The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) has selected the Columbia Heights Public Schools’ Finance Department for its ninth consecutive Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting award. The award is the highest recognition for school district financial operations and is only conferred to school districts that have met or exceeded the most stringent standards for financial reporting and accountability.

The Finance Department was selected for its excellence in the preparation and issuance of the Fiscal Year 2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The CAFR, which states the financial position of the school system through financial statements and statistical information, provides the summary and detailed information for the school year being reported and for the previous decade. 

“This recognition is significant, not just for our school district, but for our community,” said Superintendent Kathy Kelly.  “Our community has entrusted us with their hard-earned monies to create worlds of opportunity for every learner in Columbia Heights Public Schools, and to do it financially prudent, responsible and transparent, and that we are doing each and every day.” 

ASBO, founded in 1910, is a professional association of more than 5,000 members that provides programs and services to promote the highest standards of school business management practices, professional growth and the effective use of educational resources.