B.G. schools receive clean financial audit

Battle Ground Public Schools received a clean audit in the state’s annual review of the district’s finances.

State auditors found no problems, deficiencies or noncompliance with statutes when reviewing the district’s fiscal operations. The district credits the diligence and attention to detail of its fiscal services staff for the clean audit.

The audit, which is required by state law, covered Sept. 1, 2008, through Aug. 31, 2009. The district paid $26,000 for the audit.

The audit has two sections. The first portion covered the district’s internal controls in several areas, including payroll, Associated Student Body funds, special education safety net and community education. The second section addressed compliance with federal grant requirements and financial statements.

The audit also addressed an issue the auditor’s office raised a year ago involving a conflict of interest by former school board member Cecil Schlecht.

Last year’s audit said Schlecht had been in a conflict of interest situation when he was simultaneously serving on the school board and as an officer in a roofing company that completed projects for the district as a subcontractor. In this year’s report, the state auditor’s office said the district has taken corrective action, such as training employees and board members, to ensure conflicts to not occur in the future.