MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – For the 24th consecutive year, Marion County Public Schools’ (MCPS) Finance Department has received the highest distinction for public accountability and transparency. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), based in Chicago, recently awarded the department the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
This esteemed award is given for the district’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year 2023, which received “proficient” ratings in 19 different areas. It signifies the top level of acknowledgment in government accounting and financial reporting, showcasing a major achievement by MCPS and its management team.
The Finance Department manages the school district’s $1.3 billion budget and makes sure it follows financial rules. The GFOA award recognizes the department’s dedication to transparency, promoting a “spirit of full disclosure” that helps the public grasp the district’s financial situation easily.
Last year (2022), MCPS was one of only 13 school districts in Florida and 229 across the country to earn this recognition, putting it in the top one percent. The national rankings for this year are still pending.