The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) awarded Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) for the fiscal year 2023. This award represents a significant achievement and recognizes that PWCS meets the program’s high standards for financial reporting and transparency.

“PWCS has a longstanding record of exceptional financial management, as demonstrated by earning the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 22 years in a row,” shared La Toya Thomas, director of finance for PWCS.

“The Finance Department works tirelessly year-round to ensure that the necessary financial processes are in place for the preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report. This recognition also underscores the wise financial decisions made by the School Board and executive leadership, who set a positive example from the top. Their dedication to managing PWCS’ financial resources, along with the efforts of every department and school, facilitates the effectiveness of our financial controls,” Thomas added.

By participating in the Certificate of Excellence (COE) program for the last two decades, PWCS has shown its commitment to financial transparency.

“For over half a century, ASBO International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting has been the gold standard in promoting and recognizing excellence in financial reporting,” said Jim Rowan, ASBO international executive director. “Communicating the financial and economic state of a district is so important when engaging with the school community and building their trust. Districts that receive the COE Award have demonstrated their ability to do that at the highest level.”

To be considered for the COE, applicants submit their annual comprehensive financial report for review by a team of financial professionals who provide feedback to improve future documents. If the report meets the requirements of the program, it may receive the Certificate of Excellence.