TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for the third consecutive year.
A comprehensive annual report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 was submitted by Temple ISD’s Finance Department and subsequently reviewed by an impartial panel representing the more than 21,000-member association. Reports are examined for a “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate the district’s financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. Each entry is also held to the high standards of the association as outlined in a 45-page rubric.
“The responsibility of being good stewards of taxpayer dollars is one Temple ISD takes seriously. This is evident by the fact we maintain the lowest tax rate in the area among peer districts,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of Temple schools. “Financial integrity, transparency and sound accounting practices are important to managing a school district's budget. I'm so proud of our finance department for maintaining a standard of excellence in all areas. This is another statewide achievement that reflects our community's values.”
In addition to the certificate of achievement, an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement will also be presented to Kallen Vaden and Reginia Rochelle — chief financial officer and director of finance for Temple ISD respectively — as being primarily responsible for earning the certificate. Both recognitions will be celebrated at the upcoming school board meeting on August 8th.
“The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management,” said Michele Mark Levine, director of technical services for GFOA, in a news release.