For the eighth time and fourth consecutive year in a row, the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts has recognized the Thomas County School System for Excellence in Financial Management and Reporting.

The Department of Audits created the award program to recognize those entities that are audited annually and go beyond standard financial business practices to be considered “the best of the best.” An award of distinction is presented to organizations that submit quality financial statements and supporting documentation in a timely manner, whose annual financial report is given an unmodified audit opinion and is free of any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, and comply with all Transparency in Government requirements.

Thomas County School Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams and Board Chair Mark NeSmith presented the award to Deputy Superintendent for Finance Joey Holland at the July board of education meeting. Upon receipt of the award, Holland gave credit to the staff members in the system’s finance department.

“The Financial Excellence Award is earned because of the dedication of each staff member who plays a part in the finance and accounting function of the school district,” Holland said.  “Our employees work hard to follow our accounting policies and procedures and strive for their work product to be as transparent as possible.  I'm proud of our staff for earning this recognition.”

The Thomas County School District manages an annual budget of $97 million with a monthly payroll of $3.3 million.

Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams applauded the efforts of the school system as a whole as well as the Finance Department.

Dr. Williams said, “We take the management of the funds entrusted to us very seriously as we strive to be good stewards of our resources. I appreciate the fine work of Mr. Joey Holland and his entire department.”