Florence 1 Schools Receives Prestigious National Recognition for Excellence in Financial Reporting
The GFOA awarded the district its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for a second consecutive year, recognizing reporting completed faster than 93 percent of 2024 winners.
FLORENCE, SC / ACCESS Newswire / June 10, 2026 /Florence 1 Schools has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for the second year in a row. The award was presented for the district 's Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2025.
"I am most pleased to learn that our district, through the leadership of our administration in its care in financial planning, budget oversight, and fiscal integrity, has once more been recognized with the certificate reserved for those whose professional practices in such matters demonstrate excellence, " said Florence 1 Schools Board of Trustees Chairman Porter Stewart. "The practical side of a professional recognition of this nature is seen in planning processes that can reasonably rely on fiscal soundness and realistic projections, as well as benefitting from the favorable bond ratings that allow for borrowing for capital projects at lower interest costs. Thank you, Dr. O 'Malley, Mrs. Showe, and all of the F1S fiscal administrative team. "
According to the GFOA, the Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and receiving it represents a significant accomplishment. Florence 1 also received special recognition for issuing financial information to the public just 114 days after the end of the fiscal year, which the GFOA indicated was faster than 93 percent of 2024 winners.
"Timeliness is critical in what we do, " said Florence 1 Schools Chief Financial Officer Laura Showe. "The goal of GFOA and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board is to get financial information to the public and to the governing boards as quickly as possible so that they can better understand what has happened and, if there is corrective action needed, how they can move forward. In order for financial information to be meaningful, it has to happen in a timely manner. "
The district 's Comprehensive Financial Report is based on its annual audit, so it includes financial reports as well as items like a Letter of Transmittal and a Management Discussion and Analysis designed to explain the financial reports in plain language for the community at large. Showe said it is important for the community to see exactly how the district is moving forward and how tax dollars are being spent, so the district includes new highlights each school year.
"I 'm incredibly proud that this is the second year we have applied for this award and the second year we received it, " Showe said. "By participating in this, we are showing that we are implementing best practices for governmental accounting; we want to do what is right and what is best for our community and our constituents. We want to show how we are progressing and how we are investing the money we 've received. This award shows that we have gone over and above, communicating as much as we possibly can to share that information. "
Showe said the award is the result of maintaining strong internal controls and procedures across the district year-round. "This is a district-wide collaboration that includes everyone who has a finance role, from the school level to the accountants at the district office, " she said. "This is a project that takes the village. "
Read the Comprehensive Financial Report
About Florence 1 Schools
Florence 1 Schools serves the Florence, South Carolina community as a comprehensive public school district dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and student success. The district provides a wide range of educational opportunities from early childhood through high school, emphasizing rigorous instruction, supportive learning environments, and strong family and community partnerships. Committed to developing the whole child, Florence 1 Schools prioritizes leadership, character, wellness, and college- and career-readiness to prepare students for lifelong achievement.
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For more news and information about Florence 1 Schools, please visit https://www.f1s.org/.
Media Contact:Ashley Watson
Phone: (843) 413-4687
Email: marketing@f1s.org
SOURCE: Florence 1 Schools
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