Joliet Public Schools District 86 recently received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) award from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). ASBO International’s COE recognizes districts that have met the program’s high standards for financial reporting and transparency. The school district earned the Certificate of Excellence for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended 2023. This marks the 39th consecutive year Joliet Public Schools District 86 has received this award.
“For over half a century, ASBO International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting has been the gold standard in promoting and recognizing excellence in financial reporting,” according to ASBO International Executive Director Jim Rowan, CAE, SFO. “Communicating the financial and economic state of a district is so important when engaging with the school community and building their trust. Districts that receive the COE Award have demonstrated their ability to do that at the highest level.”
“I am so proud to join this group of dedicated employees,” said newly appointed Joliet Public Schools District 86 Assistant Superintendent for Business and Financial Services Dr. Matthew Wilkinson, “Their consistent hard work, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence are the foundation of our success.”
“I think we have the best business team in Illinois!” Joliet Public Schools District 86 Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse added.
By participating in the COE program, school districts demonstrate their commitment to financial transparency. Applicants submit their ACFR for review by a team of financial professionals who provide feedback to improve future documents. If the report meets the requirements of the program, it may receive the Certificate of Excellence. A district’s participation in the COE program can facilitate bond rating and continuing bond disclosure processes. The COE is proudly sponsored by ASBO International Strategic Partner American Fidelity.
Members of the Joliet Public Schools District 86 Business Department include: Deborah Brom, Bookkeeper; Angela Brown, Manager of Accounting; Julie Budz, Payroll Clerk; Miriam Marshall, Payroll Clerk; Dr. Matthew Wilkinson, Assistant Superintendent for Business & Financial Services; Angelica Rush, Administrative Secretary; Shawna Taylor, Payroll Coordinator; and Jennifer Westling, Accounts Payable/Purchasing.