Auditors presented Santa Fe Public Schools with an unmodified, or "clean," opinion on the district's fiscal year 2024 financial statements and major federal programs, and the Board of Education accepted the audit during the May 8 meeting.

Auditor Audrey Jaramillo of the district's independent audit firm summarized the results, noting a clean opinion on both the financial statements and tested federal programs. "The district had no findings at all on the federal programs," Jaramillo told the board. She described ongoing progress on prior-year recommendations and highlighted that no material weaknesses were identified this year.

The audit report did list repeated and modified findings that the district is addressing, Jaramillo said. Those included elements of internal control over financial close and reporting, which the report showed the district has steadily improved; negative cash or deficit balances in certain activity funds; common budgetary control exceptions (BAR timing and approvals); and isolated compliance items related to the School Personnel Act and ERB contribution-rate calculations. The auditors also reported one resolved finding from the prior year related to pledged collateral.

Jaramillo walked the board through the report pages that summarize findings and management's responses, emphasizing progress on clearing prior items and noting the district's improved unrestricted cash position. The audit committee and district finance staff were thanked for the improvements; board members commended the finance team for the progress.

Board members accepted the audit in open session. The acceptance follows the standard state review process: after the auditor issues the report, the Office of the State Auditor conducts its review before the district presents and accepts the audit in public. The board recorded acceptance by voice vote with no recorded opposing votes.

Copies of the full audit report will be available on the state auditor's website and the district's records, the auditor said.