The Stillwater Area Public School Board meeting on December 3, 2024, focused on the review and approval of the district's annual audit presentation. The meeting featured auditor Aaron Nielsen from MMKR, who provided an overview of the audit results and financial statements for the district.

Nielsen reported that the district received an unmodified opinion on its basic financial statements, indicating a clean audit. He acknowledged the challenges posed by new GASB standards implemented this year but noted that there were no material weaknesses or instances of non-compliance identified during the audit. This reflects positively on the district's financial management and internal controls.

However, Nielsen did mention a significant deficiency related to procurement processes, specifically regarding the documentation of contractor compliance with federal suspension and debarment requirements. While there were no instances of non-compliance, the district was unable to provide proof that these checks were conducted for one of the six contracts tested.

The audit also included a review of federal awards, where the district again received a clean opinion. Nielsen highlighted that the district served an average daily membership (ADM) of 8,268 students this past year, indicating a growing enrollment that impacts funding and resources.

The meeting concluded with a positive outlook on the district's financial health and a commitment to addressing the noted deficiency in procurement documentation. The board's approval of the audit presentation marks a significant step in ensuring transparency and accountability in the district's financial practices.