Washougal School District receives clean audit report

The Washougal School District has received a clean report from the Office of the Washington State Auditors for a sixth consecutive year. 

The auditors’ office recently concluded its examination of the district and reported “no findings,” according to a news release issued by the WSD.

“This year’s independent accountability audit reviewed information from Sept. 1, 2020, to Aug. 31, 2022, and involved a team of people across the district, each of whom has a role in ensuring compliant and accountable financial transactions,” Kris Grindy, the district’s director of business and operations, said in a news release. “Our history of clean audits is a testament to the dedication and care of our staff, who safeguard public resources. I appreciate the state audit team and value their expertise in reviewing our finances and transactions. Each audit is an opportunity to learn and continue to refine practices to ensure compliance with all applicable local, state and federal financial rules.”

The state’s audit team spent about three weeks earlier this year reviewing the district’s financial reports, transactions and processes.

“The finance team at Washougal School District, under the leadership of Kris Grindy, worked closely with the audit team as they conducted a thorough review of how the district uses public funds,” the news release states. “The state audit team lauded Grindy’s work, noting the excellent work that went into achieving a clean audit for the sixth year in a row.”

The audit “is a strong indication that our district has a strong financial oversight in place,” according to Washougal School Board president Cory Chase.

“I’m confident in our business office, which has a demonstrated track record of sound financial management and transparency,” he added. “This year’s audit was particularly complex with the challenges from the pandemic and tracking of ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds. The audit team commented that they were very impressed with the incredible work of our business office during this process.”

“Excellence in financial management and good stewardship of resources are core values our community expects. We’re pleased to continue meeting the high bar the state audit team sets for the use of public resources and compliance with rules for good governance,” WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton added. “Clean audits are one of the many measurements of success included in our six-year strategic plan. The Washougal community asked for, and we are demonstrating, a commitment to a transparent budget process that aligns expenditures with community priorities.”