Clark-Shawnee treasurer receives 12th Ohio Auditor of State Award

Clark-Shawnee Local School District Treasurer Tom Faulkner has received the Ohio Auditor of State Award for a clean financial audit.

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 award was presented to Faulkner at the June 27 board meeting by Joe Braden, deputy director of regional liaisons with the Ohio Auditor of State.

“The Ohio 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,” Braden said. “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 said the Ohio Auditor’s office conducts annual financial reviews of almost 6,000 entities, of which less than 600 receive this distinction each year.

This is the 12th year Faulkner has received this honor, which he also credits to district employees.

“Clark-Shawnee received the Ohio 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,” Faulkner 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 annual audit reviews the district’s procedures, statements, records and other financial aspects to make sure there is transparency and accuracy in financial operations, to promote efficient record-keeping, uphold ethical practices and more. It 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 Ohio Auditor of State is a significant accomplishment and recognizes the dedication and attention to detail of all our employees,” said Superintendent 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.”

About the Author