SBISD Finance Department Earns State and National Awards

For the fifth year in a row, the SBISD Finance Department has earned a Gold Leadership Circle Award from the state Comptroller’s Office for implementing financial transparency. For the year ahead, the department’s award insignia will be posted on the district’s website, and on the Board of Trustees’ and Finance Dept. web pages, too.

Also for a fifth year in a row, SBISD’s Finance Department has earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This award is presented by the Government Finance Officers Association, or GFOA, the leading professional group in North America.

The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is the only national awards program in the field of governmental accounting. It represents a significant achievement and a commitment to the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

SBISD’s Finance Department earned high marks, or proficient ratings, based on how well its budget document also serves as a policy document, district financial plan, a policy guide, and communications device.

In addition, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has also been awarded once again to the Finance Department by the GFOA. This recognition is issued for the district’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

This award is the highest honor for governmental accounting and financial reporting issued by this group. Elsewhere, the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) has awarded for a third year its Award of Merit for Purchasing and Operations to SBISD’s Purchasing Department.

The TASBO award honors public school districts that are committed to following best practices and professional standards in acquisition of goods and services. Districts that have earned this award are considered to be among the top innovators in their field.

SBISD’s Financial Department is led by Associate Superintendent Karen Wilson, Controller David Bender and Director of Accounting Tera Harris. The Purchasing Department is led by Director of Purchasing and Contracts Barbara Robillard.