Olentangy Local School District has earned what the Government Finance Officers Association calls the highest recognition in government financial reporting, and it has done so 25 years running.

The GFOA awarded the district its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2025, the district announced Sept. 1. The certificate recognizes government entities whose annual financial reports go beyond minimum accounting standards to demonstrate transparency and full disclosure.

The streak is 25 consecutive years.

For the more than 24,500 students and their families across the district's 27 schools, the award means the GFOA has consistently found Olentangy's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) meets its standards for transparency and full disclosure beyond minimum requirements.

"Our community entrusts us with significant public resources, and we take seriously our responsibility to clearly communicate how those resources are managed and used to support our students, staff and facilities," Treasurer Ryan Jenkins said in the announcement.

Board of Education President Brandon Lester said the 25-year streak demonstrates strong financial practices and a culture of accountability at the district. He credited the Treasury Department's commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

The GFOA program, established in 1945, evaluates annual financial reports from state and local governments across the United States and Canada.

The certificate is one of several financial distinctions the district holds. Olentangy has also received the Auditor of State Award with Distinction from Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber's office 15 times, an honor only 4% of audited entities statewide have earned. The district also carries a AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor's, the highest possible designation.

Those ratings have had a direct dollar impact. Since 2012, Olentangy has completed 14 bond refundings that generated a combined $41.85 million in savings for taxpayers, according to district records.

Olentangy is the fourth-largest school district in Ohio. Families can find the current board meeting schedule at olentangy.k12.oh.us.