2024 Outstanding Audit Report

Tangipahoa Parish School System is celebrating outstanding results in its latest independent financial audit, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in financial stewardship.

Tangipahoa Parish School Superintendent Melissa M. Stilley proudly announced that the district received an “unmodified audit” or a “clean opinion” for the 2024 fiscal year, highlighting its exemplary financial management and responsible use of resources.

The independent audit, conducted by Ericksen Krentel, a highly respected New Orleans-based certified public accounting firm, confirms the district’s dedication to strong fiscal responsibility and sound financial practices.

“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our finance team and our entire administrative staff,” Stilley said. “Our commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal prudence ensures that every dollar is used to provide the best possible education for our students.”

The positive audit comes at a time when the district is managing not only local funding but also substantial state and federal grants, requiring stringent oversight and careful financial planning.

“Our 2024 audit confirms that our district operates with efficiency, integrity, and full compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations,” Stilley said. “This clean report reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible financial management.”

The audit, covering the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, highlights the district’s strong financial position, prudent budgeting, and effective resource allocation—all of which directly support student achievement.

Key highlights of the audit include:

• A clean audit opinion, confirming TPSS’s financial statements accurately represent the district’s financial health.

• Strong cash reserves and a balanced operating budget, demonstrating responsible financial planning.

• Effective management of federal, state, and local funds, ensuring resources are utilized where they are needed most.

• No significant deficiencies or concerns identified in internal controls or financial reporting.

Tangipahoa Parish School Board President Tom Tolar applauded the positive audit results, stating, “This outstanding report underscores our district’s dedication to maintaining the trust of our taxpayers, families, and students.”

Board Member Brett Duncan, who served as president of the board in 2024, emphasized that this latest audit is part of a long-standing tradition of financial excellence.

“Since 2010, TPSS has consistently earned clean audits and prestigious financial reporting awards,” Duncan said. “Our district’s commitment to financial accountability and transparency is truly extraordinary.”

Duncan further explained that TPSS prioritizes public accessibility to financial information. Each year, the district’s budget is published online, open for public review, and discussed in board meetings before adoption. Ongoing financial reports, including the full check register, are made available through public meetings, televised sessions, and online streaming.

“We go above and beyond in financial transparency,” Duncan said. “Our records from 2011 to now are accessible online, allowing anyone to see our budget history, audit reports, and financial standing.”

TPSS Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey McKneely echoed this sentiment, stating that the district takes a proactive approach to ensuring the community understands how funds are managed.

“This board can proudly demonstrate that our financial practices are sound, and this community’s investment is making a real impact on our students’ education,” McKneely said.

TPSS’s commitment to financial excellence has also been recognized on a national level. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded the district the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2023 financial documents. This award is given to entities that meet the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and full disclosure in financial reporting.

“The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management,” said Michele Mark Levine, GFOA Director.

Superintendent Stilley expressed her gratitude to the district’s finance team for their exceptional work in managing the school system’s financial health.

“We sometimes take these achievements for granted, but these recognitions serve as solid proof that TPSS is in a strong financial position to continue providing a high-quality education while maintaining a financially sustainable future,” Stilley said.

For more information about the audit or to view the full audit report, visit https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1739201655/tangischoolsorg/y0svni3mrvkumofttdi5/TangipahoaParishSchoolSystem-FinancialStatements_06302024.pdf.