The State Auditor’s Office gave Highline Public Schools a clean audit in its most recent review of the district’s finances, policies and internal controls, through the annual Accountability audit, the district reported.

The audit for the 2024-25 fiscal year resulted in no findings, no significant deficiencies, and no material weaknesses in Highline’s finances, policies and internal controls. The results confirm that Highline’s operations complied with applicable state laws, regulations and its own policies, and provided adequate control over the safeguarding of public resources. This is the second year in a row Highline received a clean Accountability audit from the State Auditor’s Office.

“Our community trusts us to be responsible stewards of public resources. This clean audit reflects the care our staff take every day to manage taxpayer dollars responsibly and maintain strong financial practices,” said Highline Chief Financial Officer Jackie Bryan.

State audits hold school districts and other public agencies accountable for the use of public funds and compliance with local, state and federal law, as well as their own policies.

Highline received one management letter related to the Transportation Department’s fuel expenses. Management letters note minor items that do not affect the district’s finances or financial statements and provide an opportunity for process improvement. Recommendations made by the auditors are being implemented by Highline staff this school year. This will include tightening fuel access, implementing stronger monitoring and reporting practices, improving inventory reconciliation, strengthening financial controls, and expanding staff training and accountability measures.

“We are grateful for the audit process and the opportunity it provides to identify ways we can strengthen our practices in the Transportation Department,” said Dr. Steve Grubb, associate superintendent. “Staff are already putting changes in place to strengthen oversight, accountability and internal controls.”

Highline undergoes independent audits each year as part of its responsibility to be transparent and accountable for public resources. The district will continue using the audit process in partnership with the State Auditor’s Office not only to confirm that strong financial practices are in place, but also to identify opportunities to strengthen systems and improve how it serves schools and community.