School District wins budget award

Lake Washington School District provides more information, transparency

The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) has awarded Lake Washington School District its Pathway to the MBA (Meritorious Budget Award). The award recognizes excellence in budget presentation during the 2016–2017 budget year.

The Pathway to the MBA promotes and recognizes excellence in school budget presentation. It enhances school business officials' skills in developing, analyzing, and presenting a school system budget. After a rigorous review by professional auditors, the award is conferred only on school districts that have met or exceeded the program’s stringent criteria.

“As a district, one of our goals is to use resources effectively and be fiscally responsible,” noted Assistant Superintendent Barbara Posthumus. “The budget is a foundational document. It helps us to be transparent to our community on how we use their tax dollars. Working toward the Meritorious Budget Award has improved the quantity and quality of information we provide to the community.”

Districts who successfully complete all four MBA Criteria Checklist sections promote:

• Skills in developing and analyzing an effective budget
• Communication between departments to develop short- and long-term strategies
• Clear budget guidelines
• Building confidence in your community with a reader-friendly budget

The Pathway to the MBA is an introductory program. It requires completion of two of the four MBA Criteria Checklist sections. Lake Washington completed the introductory and the organizational sections in its 2016-17 budget document.

Budget review comments from ASBO noted, “This is a fine document, which includes a wealth of information in graphic and narrative form. The document is user-friendly and will meet the needs of varied users.”

Voya Financial, Inc^.® is sponsoring the MBA and the Pathway to the MBA program for the 12th consecutive year. ASBO International, founded in 1910, is a professional organization of 5,000 members. It provides programs and services to promote the highest standards of school business management practices, professional growth, and the effective use of education resources. 

For more information about the Meritorious Budget Award or Pathway to the MBA, visit asbointl.org/MBA.

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About Lake Washington: Lake Washington School District is a high-performing public school district serving Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish, Washington. It is the third largest district in the state of Washington, with over 29,000 students in 52 schools.