OAISD RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING - May 7, 2024
May 7, 2024

OAISD RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING

Holland, MI - The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) recently awarded the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Business Services Department the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE). ASBO International’s COE recognizes districts that have met the program’s high standards for financial reporting and transparency. Ottawa Area ISD earned the Certificate of Excellence for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended 2023. 

framed award o f OAISD's certificate of excellence

This is the 22nd consecutive year Ottawa Area ISD has received this award. 

ASBO International’s COE recognizes districts that have met the program’s high standards for financial reporting and transparency. The COE represents a significant achievement and reflects Ottawa Area ISD’s commitment to high-quality financial reporting and transparency.  

Chris Lamer, chief financial officer for Ottawa Area ISD said the ACFR informs the community about the financial and economic state of the district and is an important communications tool for building trust and engaging with the school community. 

“This award recognizes the details that we put into the financial data of OAISD,” Lamer said. “We are honored to yet again win this award that demonstrates the public funds entrusted to us are accurately accounted for and reported properly.”

Lamer added the award is the result of a team effort and he is thankful for all the individuals on the business services team.

By participating in the COE program, school districts demonstrate their commitment to financial transparency. Applicants submit their ACFR for review by a team of financial professionals, who provide feedback to improve future documents. If the report meets the requirements of the program, the document may receive the Certificate of Excellence. A district’s participation in the COE program can facilitate bond rating and continuing bond disclosure processes.

“For over half a century, ASBO International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting has been the gold standard in promoting and recognizing excellence in financial reporting,” according to ASBO International Executive Director Jim Rowan, CAE, SFO. “Communicating the financial and economic state of a district is so important when engaging with the school community and building their trust. Districts that receive the COE Award have demonstrated their ability to do that at the highest level.”

The COE is proudly sponsored by ASBO International Strategic Partner American Fidelity.

ASBO International

Founded in 1910, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is a nonprofit organization that, through its members and affiliates, represents approximately 30,000 school business professionals worldwide. ASBO International is committed to providing programs, services, and a global network that promote the highest standards in school business. Its members support student achievement through effective resource management in various areas ranging from finance and operations to food services and transportation. Learn more at www.asbointl.org  

American Fidelity
American Fidelity provides employer cost-savings solutions and supplemental insurance benefits to specific industries. Acting as an extension of the HR department, we educate, enroll, and support the development of robust, competitive insurance packages—all while ensuring seamless administration and employee satisfaction. As experts in employer benefit solutions, our salaried account managers deliver year-round support, help employers overcome benefit administrative challenges, and always offer a different perspective – a different opinion.  

Ottawa Area ISD
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) collaborates with local schools and communities to support the educational needs of individuals from birth through all ages in the Ottawa region. By pooling resources and delivering services on a regional scale, Ottawa Area ISD efficiently provides essential programs and services to local K-12 public, charter, and parochial schools, as well as to families and adult learners, ensuring these offerings are both comprehensive and cost-effective. Visit www.oaisd.org to learn more.

For more information, contact Michelle Ready at (616) 738-8940, ext. 4093 or mready@oaisd.org