Dearborn Public Schools Receives Meritorious Budget Award for Seventh Consecutive Year
Dearborn, MI – Dearborn Public Schools has once again been recognized for its exceptional budget presentation. The district recently received the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for the current 2024-25 fiscal year, marking the seventh consecutive year it has earned this distinction. The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) bestowed this honor upon the district.
Budget Overview
Tom Wall, the district’s Executive Director of Business and Operations, and his staff are responsible for managing the budget. Dearborn Public Schools operates with a combined annual budget of $445 million and serves approximately 19,500 students.
Transparency and Accessibility
Wall expressed his gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the complexity of financial information in a large district. The district takes pride in making its financial information accessible and understandable to the community, including the Board of Education. The district’s financial records can be found on the district website under Transparency Reporting.
The Transparency Reporting page includes a wealth of information, such as budgets, audits, employee salary schedules, benefit plans, and purchasing policies. This commitment to transparency builds trust within the community and ensures accountability.
Audit Report
Earlier in the school year, the district received an “unqualified” audit report from Plante Moran, an independent auditing firm. This audit finding signifies that the auditors did not identify any significant issues with the district’s financial management.
Impact on the Community and the World
For community members, the MBA recognition and the district’s commitment to transparency demonstrate a dedication to responsible financial management. Parents and taxpayers can trust that their resources are being used effectively and efficiently.
On a larger scale, the MBA award reflects positively on the education sector as a whole. By upholding nationally recognized budget presentation standards, school districts can build trust within their communities and foster a culture of financial responsibility. This, in turn, can lead to improved public perception of the education system and increased support for public schools.
Conclusion
Dearborn Public Schools’ seventh consecutive Meritorious Budget Award is a testament to the district’s commitment to financial transparency, accountability, and effective resource management. This dedication not only benefits the district’s community but also sets an example for other school districts to follow. By focusing on clear communication and budget presentation, districts can build trust, foster support, and ultimately improve the quality of education for students.
- Dearborn Public Schools has received the Meritorious Budget Award for the seventh consecutive year.
- The district operates with a combined annual budget of $445 million and serves approximately 19,500 students.
- Transparency and accessibility of financial information are essential for building trust within the community.
- An “unqualified” audit report from Plante Moran signifies no significant financial issues.
- The MBA award reflects positively on the education sector and encourages financial responsibility.
