The Washington State Auditor’s Office issued two reports on Monday, May 24, concerning Lake Washington School District. The Financial Statements and Federal Single Audit Report found no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in either internal control over financial reporting or internal control over major programs. The Accountability Audit Report showed the District’s internal controls were adequate to safeguard public assets.

Both reports covered the district’s last fiscal year, September 1, 2008, through August 31, 2009.

The Accountability Report examines areas representing the highest risk of noncompliance, misappropriation or misuse. During this audit period, areas reviewed included cash receipts, small and attractive assets such as computers, open public meetings/records laws, disbursements/expenditures and procurement. The report found that the District complied with state laws and regulations and its own policies and procedures in the areas examined.

“Our business services staff works hard to ensure that taxpayer resources are used appropriately and with all the appropriate controls,” noted Dr. Chip Kimball, Superintendent. “State and federal regulations require very specific documentation on so many aspects of our operation. It takes a broad team effort to make sure that every item is properly accounted for.”

The financial audit also found the district had resolved two findings from last year’s federal audit. One issue involved charging a special education expense to a federal grant rather than to state funds. The other was related to the documentation of high school diplomas/GEDs for paraprofessionals as required for specific staff in a federal program. The district has had only one other finding in the last five audits, which has also been fully corrected.