The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Finance Department has received national recognition for its commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency, earning two awards from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) for the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
The district was awarded the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for its excellence in budget presentation and financial planning, and the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Both honors are considered significant benchmarks in the field of public education finance.
According to the ASBO, the Meritorious Budget Award recognizes school systems that create clear, accurate, and strategic budget documents aligned with educational priorities. The Certificate of Excellence acknowledges districts that meet the highest standards for financial reporting and full disclosure.
The accolades arrive as the district continues navigating complex budget challenges, including a $17 million shortfall tied to flat state funding. In recent months, community members and school board stakeholders have called for increased transparency and clarity around the district’s finances. KPBSD leaders have consistently emphasized that the district undergoes an annual audit and makes its financial data publicly available.
District officials say the dual honors reflect the professionalism and diligence of KPBSD’s finance team, reinforcing the district’s commitment to accountability in how public education dollars are managed across the peninsula.
For more information about the district’s finances, including links to reports and budgeting tools, visit www.kpbsd.org.
