Clark-Shawnee Treasurer receives 12th Auditor of State Award

Clark-Shawnee Local School District and Mr. Tom Faulkner, Treasurer, received the Auditor of State Award for a clean financial audit after the Ohio Auditor of State’s office found no discrepancies in the treasurer’s 2023 fiscal year financial records. The 2023 fiscal year runs from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. 

The annual audit reviews the district's procedures, statements, records, and other financial aspects. The purpose is to ensure transparency and accuracy in financial operations, promote efficient record-keeping, uphold ethical practices, and more. 

Faulkner credits the award to the efforts and dedication of every Clark-Shawnee employee and their commitment to transparency and accuracy. 

“Clark-Shawnee received the Auditor of State Award because our accounting staff, secretaries, administrators, teachers, and support staff work each day to ensure that we are using our assets wisely and keeping our records in order,” he said. “Our district is committed to maintaining full transparency and accuracy in the years to come as we continue to account for every tax dollar we receive. We are thankful for our Springfield Township community and the trust they place in us every day.”

The award was presented to Faulkner at the June 27, 2024, regular Board meeting by Mr. Joe Braden, Deputy Director of Regional Liaisons with the Ohio Auditor of State. This is the twelfth year the treasurer has received this honor. 

“The Auditor of State Award represents the hard work of the financial staff and all employees in the district who make an effort each day for accounting excellence,” said Braden. “To the treasurer, board members, superintendent, assistant superintendent, and all others, you do a great job watching over every dollar.”

During the presentation of the award, Braden explained that the Ohio Auditor’s office conducts annual financial reviews of almost 6,000 entities. Of these entities, less than 600 receive this distinction each year. Those who are recognized have worked hard to ensure transparency and accuracy in their records and practices.  

Aside from reviewing the district’s financial records and reports, an audit also scrutinizes public records, vendor contracts, assets, accounts payable, payroll, attendance reports, student activities, scholarships, utilization of grants and federal funds, and other pertinent areas.

“This recognition from the Auditor of State is a significant accomplishment and recognizes the dedication and attention to detail of all our employees,” stated Clark-Shawnee Superintendent, Mr. Brian Kuhn. “Mr. Faulkner and his team collectively work hard to ensure that the tax dollars generously approved by Springfield Township are properly accounted for and spent in accordance with the law to best serve our district,” Kuhn shared.

According to the Ohio Auditor of State, those who receive the award meet the following criteria: 

• The entity must file financial reports with the Auditor of State’s Office by the statutory due date, without extension, via the Hinkle System and in accordance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).

• The audit report does not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weakness, significant deficiencies, Uniform Guidance (Single Audit) findings or questioned costs.

• The entity’s management letter contains no comment related to:

  • Ethics referrals 

  • Questioned costs less than the threshold per the Uniform Guidance

  • Lack of timely annual financial report submission 

  • Bank reconciliation issues 

  • Failure to obtain a timely Single Audit in accordance with Uniform Guidance

  • Findings for recovery less than $500

  • Public meetings or public records issues

• The entity has no other financial or other concerns