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Lee County schools receive unmodified FY24 audit; no federal grant findings reported
Summary
External auditor MSL delivered an unmodified ("clean") opinion on the School District of Lee County's FY24 financial statements and reported no material weaknesses or findings in its single-audit review of federal programs.
MSL, CPAs and advisors reported an unmodified opinion on the School District of Lee County’s fiscal year 2024 financial statements, meaning the auditor did not identify material misstatements in the district’s reporting.
MSL senior manager Eddie Casaneda told the school board on March 4 that the firm performed the audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and governmental auditing standards. "The district did receive an unmodified opinion, which is the quote unquote, clean opinion. There was no findings, no significant deficiencies, no material weaknesses identified," Casaneda said.
The audit team also said it found no internal control deficiencies related to financial reporting and no findings from the district’s single-audit testing of federal grant programs. Casaneda told the board management provided timely access to records and personnel and responded promptly to auditor inquiries. He noted the district’s negative unrestricted net position shown on government-wide statements reflects the district’s share of the Florida Retirement System pension reporting, not a cash shortfall.
District staff framed the general fund as the better operating indicator: auditors reported the general fund net change in fund balance improved about $50 million year over year, with assets up and liabilities down. Casaneda and business office staff said instructional services expenses came in materially under budget and were a main contributor to the positive general fund swing.
Superintendent Denise Carlin thanked the audit team and the district business services staff, and board members expressed relief at the clean results. The audit report and related compliance reports required by the Florida Auditor General and the Office of the Auditor General (including the independent accountants report and management letter) will be included in the district’s annual comprehensive financial report.
The district did not take any formal board action at the workshop on the audit presentation; the report was accepted for review and will be posted with the district’s financial documents.
