By Jessica Taylor
The Herricks Board of Education received a brief presentation from their claims auditor Thursday night, who said the district is in great shape.
Shari Diamond, partner for Cerini & Associates LLP, explained how the district operates financially.
“We are the district’s claims auditors,” Diamond said. “What that entails is reviewing all vendor payments and employee reimbursements.”
Cerini is one of three auditors for Herricks. The district’s external and internal auditors recently provided a similar update to the board last fall and Assistant Superintendent of Business Lisa Rutkoske said Herricks is constantly being visited.0 notifications
Diamond continued by saying the firm looked at upwards of 5,000 checks for the district and found “no issues of significance,” which the district should be commended for.
“We continue to have excellent communication with the district,” Diamond said.
The board also accepted the single audit report from R.S. Abrams & Company LLC, the district’s external auditor, to make sure the district was spending the federal money it received due to the COVID-19 pandemic according to grant requirements.
Rutkoske praised the business office and the entire team for all their hard work and consistent transparency.
President Jim Gounaris thanked Rutkoske for the update and emphasized the importance of these audits to make sure that the district is following all the rules and regulations as well as being “especially prudent with the taxpayers’ money.” He continued, “It is imperative that the district knows how we spend it and why we spend it.”
In unrelated district news, Superintendent Tony Sinanis then welcomed the girls swim team to the board to recognize them for “Outstanding Student Achievement.” He congratulated them on placing third in the state championship. Sinanis said that since there are around 700 school districts in the state, “this is a very serious and significant accomplishment.”
He cited the team as well as Coach Danielle Sullivan and Athletic Director Jim Petricca for all their hard work and accomplishments.
The next Herricks Board of Education meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 19.
