Lynbrook Lynbrook School District business office staff recognized for excellence in financial reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded a Certificate of Achievement to the Lynbrook Union Free School District for excellence in its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending in 2016. It earned the honor for the fourth consecutive year.

The financial report, which can be found at Lynbrookschools.org, is a compilation of financial statements that shows where the district’s money comes from and where it goes. Employees in the business office write the reports, and district Superintendent Melissa Burak drafts the introduction.

“The best part of the award is that it gives recognition to the business office staff who work so hard day in and day out on behalf of the district,” Burak said. “The business office safeguards the taxpayers’ money by strictly adhering to board policies and best business practices. They do so while still fulfilling the district’s obligations to the staff in a timely and efficient manner.”

According to Paul Lynch, the district’s assistant superintendent for finance, operations and information systems, Lynbrook is one of only two districts on Long Island to receive the award, which is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting. Association of School Business Officials International also honored the district for financial reporting excellence.

Lynch said that there are established financial protocols and guidelines to ensure accountability for the district’s finances. An impartial panel judged the district.

“The district is committed to financial transparency,” Lynch said. “The community entrusts us with their tax dollars and we are committed to reporting back to them in an honest, open manner about where every dollar goes. This award recognizes that multiple organizations affirm that our commitment to transparency is real and not just lip service.”

In order to be eligible for the awards, a municipal entity must also show long-term trends in regard to enrollment, tax rates and debt, along with its long-term assets and liabilities, Lynch said. Commentary from external auditors about the district’s accounting practices is also included in the reports.

“A district cannot really fake a good report at the end of a financial year,” Lynch said. “Rather, it is a culmination of doing the right thing throughout the year that yields excellent financial reporting.”