District receives finance awards for 23rd consecutive year

White Bear Lake Area Schools recently received the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The district also received the Excellence in Financial Reporting Award from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO). These awards are the highest form of recognition a governmental agency can receive and represent a significant accomplishment for the finance department and its staff. This year’s recognition marks the 23rd consecutive year the district has received both awards.

“Receiving this recognition every year for more than two decades is notable,” said Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak. “Our finance team has a long-standing dedication to stewardship, transparency and financial responsibility. Their role in maintaining accountability by appropriately using resources provided by the community cannot be understated.”

To be considered for the awards, the finance department submits its annual comprehensive financial report to be reviewed by an impartial panel at GFOA and ASBO. If the report meets all of the requirements, the district may qualify for the highest recognition. According to GFOA Director of Technical Services, Michele Mark Levine, the district’s annual report demonstrates “a constructive ‘spirit of full disclosure’ to clearly communicate its financial story.”