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Ephrata School District receives two clean audit reports

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | July 18, 2024 1:25 AM

EPHRATA — The Washington State Auditor’s Office recently completed two audits of the Ephrata School District, both resulted in no significant deficiencies. The audits included an accountability audit and a financial statement and federal grant compliance audit, covering September 2020 to August 2023 and September 2022 to August 2023, respectively.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of this audit. This clean report is a testament to the hard work, dedication and financial stewardship of our school board and leadership. Fiscal responsibility is one of our core focus areas and we will continue to do what is necessary to make sure we meet this objective,” Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray said.

The audits found district operations complied with state laws, regulations and internal policies, with adequate controls in place to safeguard public resources. The examinations focused on areas with the highest risk of fraud, loss, abuse or noncompliance, such as the use of restricted funds, compliance with supplemental contracts for enrichment activities, open public meetings and the district's financial condition.

The cost of the audit process was estimated to be around $41,000 for the school district. However, due to the lack of significant issues, timely responses from district staff and overall efficiency, the district was able to save nearly $10,000 in audit costs according to Ephrata School District website. 

Murray said he was satisfied with the results.

The next audit for the Ephrata School District is scheduled for early 2025, focusing on financial statements and Federal grant compliance for the 2023-24 school year. 

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