GJPS Earns Auditor of State Award

Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools has been recognized with the 2025 Auditor of State Award, a distinction presented to public entities that demonstrate exceptional financial reporting and accountability.

During the June 19, 2026, GJPS Board of Education meeting, Scott Brown, Central Ohio liaison for Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber, presented the award on behalf of the Auditor’s Office. Members of the GJPS Finance Department, including Treasurer Cliff Hetzel, were present to accept the honor.

The Auditor of State Award is one of Ohio’s highest recognitions for financial stewardship. According to Brown, the award places GJPS among the top 10% of the more than 4,200 audits conducted annually by the Auditor of State’s Office.

To earn the award, an organization must submit its financial reports on time and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. In addition, the audit must be free of findings for recovery, material citations or weaknesses, significant deficiencies and other reportable issues.

“This award represents all your staff and employees’ hard work as they strive to attain accounting excellence,” Brown said during the presentation. “What this truly means is that across the entire organization, you have the people and processes in place that understand fiscal accountability.”

Brown recognized the leadership of Treasurer Cliff Hetzel and the work of the District’s Finance Department, noting their dedication to maintaining the highest standards of financial management.

Superintendent and Board members congratulated the Finance Department on the achievement, recognizing the behind-the-scenes work required to maintain excellence in financial operations.

The Auditor of State Award serves as a testament to GJPS’ ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship of public funds.