DMPS Earns ASBO Financial Honor for 12th Year

For a dozen years straight, Des Moines Public Schools has been presented with the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Association of School Business Officials International. The honor reflects the high standards, accountability, and transparency of the school district’s business and finance professionals. Below is the press release from ASBO announcing this year’s award.

The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is pleased to award Des Moines Independent Community School District with the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE). ASBO International’s COE recognizes districts that have met the program’s high standards for financial reporting and accountability. The school district earned the Certificate of Excellence for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended 2018.

“The COE’s mission is to promote and recognize excellence in financial reporting, specifically through a district’s CAFR,” ASBO International Director of Recognition Programs Molly Barrie says. “The CAFR informs parents and other stakeholders about the financial and economic state of the district, making it an important communications tool for building trust and engaging with the school community.”

By participating in the COE program, school districts demonstrate their commitment to financial transparency. Applicants submit their CAFR for review by a team of professional auditors, who provide feedback to improve future documents. If the CAFR meets the requirements of the program, the document may receive the Certificate of Excellence. A district’s participation in the COE program can facilitate bond rating and continuing bond disclosure processes.

The COE is proudly sponsored by ASBO International Strategic Partner American Fidelity.