Independent auditors give Clayton a clean opinion; board moves to receive audit reports
Summary
Kerber, Eck & Bridal reported an unmodified (clean) opinion on FY2024 financial statements and no findings on the state compliance examination; the board voted to receive the audit report and asked follow-up questions about pension swings and internal-control documentation.
Kerber, Eck & Bridal LLP presented the Clayton School District's independent financial statement audit for the year ended June 30, 2025, reporting an unmodified (clean) opinion and no findings in the associated compliance attestation. Gina Cochran, the engagement partner, and Allison Weems, the audit lead, told the board auditors identified two areas of inherent audit risk (management override of controls and actuarially determined pension/OPEB estimates) but found no material weaknesses or financial-statement misstatements.
"We will issue an unmodified opinion on your financial statements," Gina Cochran said, noting the audit followed generally accepted auditing standards and governmental auditing standards. Board members asked follow-up questions about a notable swing in net pension liabilities in 2021, internal-control documentation the board can review, and the single-audit federal threshold (which was not met this year because federal expenditures were below $750,000). The auditors recommended that board members familiarize themselves with the district's internal-control documentation and confirmed no disagreements with management.
Unidentified Board Member (Speaker 2) moved to receive the financial audit report and the federal/state program report; the motion was seconded, and the board approved by voice vote (ayes, no opposition). The audit partner thanked district staff and noted an upcoming partner transition at the firm.
