After earning the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) Pathway to the Meritorious Budget Award for the 2019-2020 budget year, Frederick County Public Schools has achieved the Meritorious Budget Award for 2020-2021.
“We have been expanding our budget book for several years to meet the strenuous criteria of this award program,” says FCPS Chief Financial Officer Leslie Pellegrino. “I am so proud of Budget Officer Heather Clabaugh and her team for their efforts to reach this pinnacle, and I am equally proud of the comprehensive budget book we publish for our stakeholders. Achieving this recognition was one of the goals established in our Board of Education’s strategic plan.”
To earn the award, school districts submit their application and budget documents to a panel of school financial professionals who review them for success in demonstrating they have met the necessary award requirements. The process also provides feedback that districts can use to improve their budget documents.
“This is the district’s first year receiving the award and is a true reflection of your commitment to financial integrity,” ASBO Director Molly Barrie wrote to Clabaugh.
Districts that apply recognize the importance of presenting a quality, easy-to-understand budget internally and to the community, according to ASBO. The standards provide the important tools and resources districts need to communicate their goals and objectives clearly and illustrate their commitment to adhering to nationally recognized budget presentation standards.
FCPS posts the Adopted Operating Budget, referred to as the budget book, online at www.fcps.org/about/publications.