Grand Haven, MI– Grand Haven Area Public Schools has once again been recognized for excellence in financial reporting and transparency, earning the Association of School Business Officials International’s (ASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
This marks the second consecutive year GHAPS has received the national recognition, which honors school districts that demonstrate the highest standards in financial accountability, transparency, and reporting.
Last year, GHAPS was one of only 16 school districts in Michigan to receive the award.
This recognition highlights the continued work of the district’s Business Services Department to strengthen financial practices, improve efficiencies, and strengthen transparency for staff, families, and the community. Over the past several years, the department has continued implementing innovative systems and operational refinements focused on streamlining processes, strengthening financial oversight, and modernizing day-to-day financial operations.
These efforts have included expanded use of electronic approval systems and audit trails, enhanced vendor verification processes, streamlined administrative procedures, ongoing internal review practices, improved financial reporting tools, and a continued transition toward more efficient cashless transaction systems across district operations.
“Over the past several years, our department has been very intentional about improving processes and finding practical, innovative ways to make our operations more efficient, accurate, and transparent,” said Michael MacDonald, Executive Director of Business Services for Grand Haven Area Public Schools. “Receiving this recognition reflects the work our team has put into strengthening our systems, improving how we support the district, and holding ourselves accountable to a high standard of service for our staff, families, and community.”
The ASBO Certificate of Excellence program recognizes school districts that go beyond the minimum requirements of financial reporting to produce comprehensive annual financial reports that are clear, accurate, and informative. Reports are reviewed by a panel of experienced financial professionals and evaluated against nationally recognized standards.
Jim Rowan, CAE, SFO, Executive Director of ASBO International, emphasized the significance of the recognition.
“For over half a century, ASBO International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting has been the gold standard for promoting and recognizing excellence in financial transparency,” Rowan said. “Clear and accurate financial reporting is crucial for engaging school communities and building their trust. Districts that earn the COE have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to these principles.”
Superintendent Kristin Perkowski said the recognition reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship and continuous improvement.
“We are incredibly proud of the work being done by our Business Services Department,” Perkowski said. “Trust, transparency, and accountability were all important themes reflected in the Strategic Plan finalized last summer following months of staff, family, and community engagement, and this recognition reflects the intentional work our team has continued to do in each of those areas.
“As we continue discussions around our long-term facilities master plan and a potential future bond proposal, it is important that our community has confidence in the systems, processes, and stewardship behind that work. The progress our Business Services team has made is helping build a strong foundation for the future as we look ahead to a phased approach to improving learning environments across the district over the next 20 to 25 years.”
###
Comments