BY JASON GARDNER

The Mooresville Graded School District is once again proud to announce another clean financial audit, a testament to our unwavering commitment to our core value of integrity. This isn’t just a matter of numbers; it’s a reflection of our dedication to fiscal responsibility and transparent stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

This audit not only confirmed that our books are in order but also recognized our prudent financial management. The auditors gave us accolades for staying within budget, maintaining a healthy fund balance, and, notably, for the responsible use and management of the federal funds we received during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a time of unprecedented challenges and uncertainty, we have continued to prioritize the well-being of our students and staff while ensuring every dollar is used effectively and appropriately. This includes a significant investment in our employees by increasing the local supplement for our teachers in 2022 as well as modifying the classified salary schedule in 2023. Funding for our public schools is critical in supporting student learning, implementing safety measures, and addressing the social-emotional needs of our school community. We made a promise to our Mooresville community to use these resources wisely, and this clean audit confirms that we kept our word.

This achievement belongs to everyone in the MGSD family. From our Board of Education to our dedicated finance department and every administrator and school financial data manager, our collective commitment to ethical and responsible practices has made this possible. Financial integrity is key to building a foundation of trust with our community, a foundation that allows us to focus on what matters most: providing an exceptional education for every child. We are grateful for the trust the community places in us, and we are committed to earning it — year after year.

Jason Gardner, EdD, is the superintendent of the Mooresville Graded School District.