For the 10th year in a row, the Finance Department of Marion County Public Schools has received national recognition for its accountability and transparency efforts.

Earlier this month, the Chicago-based Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Finance Department. The award is based on the school district’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2009. It’s the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and finance reporting and represents a significant accomplishment by a government entity and its operation.

The Finance Department oversees the school system’s $586 million budget and implements financial changes based on current law.

The award also recognizes the department’s “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and create incentive for others to read the CAFR. For the 2008 fiscal year, Marion County Public Schools was one of just 19 school districts in Florida to receive the award. 2009 fiscal year figures have yet to be released.

For more information on this award, please contact Theresa Boston-Ellis, executive director of Business Services for the school district, at 352.671.7794 or Stephen Gauthier with the Government Finance Officers Association at 312.977.9700.