Board praises clean audit as district financial statements and large transfers are reported

At the Feb. 23 workshop Miss Perry presented the Okaloosa County District's internal funds financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Board members and staff characterized the audit and internal-funds reporting as positive overall, noting relatively few findings that were described as "level 1" (the most minor category reported).

Board discussion highlighted the scale of district finances and bookkeeping: a staff member described the operation as involving "about $18,000,000 a year," and a board member praised the district's bookkeepers and internal controls as responsible for the limited number of audit findings.

Quantities and donations reported on the consent agenda and in staff reports included: a $50,000 donation from the Louise Hals Miller Foundation to support Odessa Elementary School; recent monthly donations totaling $66,900.92 and year-to-date donations of $455,008.64 (donations of $500 or above are itemized); payroll and accounts-payable warrants totaling $41,020,834.37; self health insurance claims and fees totaling $4,378,510.17; and bank transfers totaling $100,000,000 for January 2026. The consent agenda also listed smaller appropriations from board-member capital outlay funds: $2,500 to Bruner Middle School for an exterior mural; $15,460.20 to Fort Walton Beach High School for window and door graphics; and $2,807.84 to Baker School for music equipment.

What the board recorded: the workshop included presentation and discussion of the statements and accompanying procurement items; no formal motions or votes on these financial items were recorded at the workshop beyond placement on the consent agenda for future action consistent with board procedures.