Lakota Earns National Recognition for Financial Excellence

Lakota Local Schools has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability by earning the prestigious Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).

This national honor recognizes school districts that meet the highest standards in financial reporting. Lakota received the award for its exemplary Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. “We are honored to receive this award from ASBO,” said Lakota’s Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Adam Zink. “Lakota’s finance team is committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency and appreciate being recognized for our efforts.” Zink continued, “We understand that school finances can be confusing, and we want to simplify it. That’s why we make sure that our taxpayers have access to our ACFR, our annual Financial Prospectus, the Ohio Checkbook and other tools available on our website.”

“For over half a century, ASBO International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting has been the gold standard for promoting and recognizing excellence in financial transparency,” said Jim Rowan, CAE, SFO, Executive Director of ASBO International. “Clear and accurate financial reporting is crucial for engaging school communities and building their trust. Districts that earn the COE have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to these principles.”

Participation in the COE program reflects Lakota’s dedication to fiscal responsibility. Each submitted ACFR undergoes a rigorous review by a panel of experienced financial professionals, who provide feedback to further strengthen future reports. Earning this distinction not only affirms Lakota’s financial integrity but also supports the District’s bond rating of Aa1 from Moody’s Investors Service and AA+ from Standard and Poor’s, as well as its disclosure processes.

The COE program is proudly sponsored by ASBO International’s Strategic Partner, American Fidelity.

This recognition is more than a certificate—it’s a reflection of Lakota’s promise to its community: to manage public funds with the utmost care, clarity, and accountability.