The Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss critical financial matters, including the approval of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the Single Audit Reporting Package for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The meeting highlighted the district's commitment to transparency and accountability in its financial operations.

During the meeting, Chief Financial Officer Miss Berry presented the ACFR, emphasizing its importance in demonstrating the district's financial health and compliance with state regulations. The report, which underwent a thorough audit process by external auditors from Heinfeld, Meech & Co., received an unmodified opinion, indicating no significant issues were found. This clean audit opinion is a testament to the district's effective financial management practices.

Josh Jumper, the external auditor, provided insights into the audit process, which included on-site visits and comprehensive evaluations of the district's financial statements. He reported that there were no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal controls, reinforcing the district's strong financial standing. The audit also included a review of federal grant expenditures, particularly focusing on the ESSER grant, which is crucial for funding educational initiatives.

Despite the positive audit results, the district identified six findings related to compliance with the Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR). These findings primarily involved procedural lapses in cash handling, procurement processes, and student attendance reporting. For instance, one finding noted that a teacher delayed depositing funds from a fundraiser, which is against district policy requiring deposits within five days. Another finding highlighted a misunderstanding regarding procurement requirements for expenditures exceeding $100,000.

Miss Berry expressed pride in the district's overall performance, noting that six findings are relatively low given the volume of transactions processed annually. She emphasized the importance of continuous training for staff to address these issues and improve compliance. The district's proactive approach to audits and findings is seen as an opportunity for growth and enhancement of operational procedures.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the significance of maintaining a strong financial foundation, which directly impacts the district's bond rating. The board acknowledged that the findings from the audits are reviewed by bond rating agencies, influencing the district's financial credibility and ability to secure funding for future projects.

In conclusion, the Chandler USD Governing Board's meeting highlighted the district's commitment to financial integrity and accountability. The successful audit results and the proactive handling of findings reflect a dedication to continuous improvement, ensuring that the district remains a trusted steward of public funds. Moving forward, the district plans to implement additional training and procedural updates to address the identified findings and enhance overall compliance.