HOPEWELL VALLEY: HVRSD honored for financial accountability

By John Tredrea, Special Writer
The Hopewell Valley Regional School District has received the Association of School Business Officials International’s (ASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting award for having met or exceeded ASBO’s standards for financial reporting and accountability.
Hopewell Valley Superintendent Thomas Smith said the district was pleased and honored to accept the award.
HVRSD’s Business Office "is responsible for the fiscal operations of the district. It develops an annual budget for consideration by the Board of Education. It handles the bidding and awarding of contracts and conducts purchasing and payroll operations for the district. It supervises the district’s transportation and facilities departments," according to the local district’s website.
Robert W. Colavita Jr. is the district’s business administrator, as well as school board secretary.
"The district was recognized for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending 2013," said Sarah Hewitt of ASBO.
Ms. Hewitt said the Certificate of Excellence (COE) award "confirms the school business office’s commitment to financial accountability and transparency."
She added that the award can bring the district financial benefits in the future. Recognition through the Certificate of Excellence program can help strengthen a district’s presentation for bond issuance statements," she noted.
Founded in 1910, the ASBO "is an educational association that supports school business professionals who are passionate about quality education," Ms. Hewitt said.
"The ASBO is committed to providing programs and services that promote the highest standards of school business management, professional growth, and the effective use of educational resources. Through its programs, services, advocacy, and global network, ASBO International is the voice of school business officials."