Auditor briefs Lawton Public Schools board on June 30, 2024 audit; single-audit finding noted

The district’s external auditor presented highlights from the financial statements and related audit work for the year ending June 30, 2024, and told the board how the audit process addresses internal control and compliance with laws and regulations.

Mary Johnson, identified in the meeting as the presenter for the audit, told the board: "Our responsibility as auditors is to provide an opinion of reasonable assurance that the amounts and disclosures are reasonable and not materially misstated." She said the financial statements and related notes are the responsibility of management and that auditors assess internal control and compliance matters as part of their work.

Johnson also explained that because the district expended more than $750,000 in federal funds, the engagement included a federal single-audit. The auditor reported that one program received an adverse compliance opinion and that the finding repeated from the prior year; Johnson said the repeat stemmed from timing issues in getting corrections completed before the audit period closed. In all cases the auditor reported that management submitted corrective-action plans, which auditors forward to the state and federal agencies that oversee the programs.

Board members had no questions recorded after the presentation and the board moved on to subsequent agenda items.

The presentation was described as a routine component of the district’s annual financial oversight; staff responses and corrective-action plans will be part of follow-up with state and federal granting agencies.