Sandburg Recognized for Swiftness in Completing Annual Audit

  Aaron Frey
  Friday, April 23, 2021 5:02 PM
  Athletics

Galesburg, IL

Carl Sandburg College was recently recognized for being the fastest among community colleges its size nationwide in the completion of its annual audit.

Sandburg’s efforts were commended by Merritt Research Services, which since 2010 has tracked the time it takes for municipal bond issuers to complete their audit after the end of their fiscal years. The company’s most recent annual compilation found that Sandburg’s audit for Fiscal Year 2019 was completed first among all community colleges in areas that serve a population of 30,000 or more.

Sandburg’s FY2019 audit was completed 73 days after the close of the fiscal year, which was less than half the median time of 149 days for all community colleges in 2019. A letter from Merritt Research Services President Richard A. Ciccarone lauding the College’s achievement was presented at Sandburg’s monthly Board of Trustees meeting Thursday evening.

“Audit timeliness is an exemplary characteristic of good governance and a tribute to leadership which fosters transparency and accountability,” Ciccarone wrote. “Congratulations on this important achievement.”

President Dr. Seamus Reilly updated the Board on the comprehensive visit to the College by the Higher Learning Commission that took place Monday and Tuesday. The visit was part of the reaffirmation process in Sandburg’s 10-year review by the HLC. Though the College may not hear complete findings from the HLC until September, Reilly said it will immediately take into account the reviewer’s comments to ensure the continued success of Sandburg students.

“It’s always interesting to have objective questions about how we run our processes, and there are lots of things for us to reflect upon and act on as we prepare for the next HLC assurance argument,” Reilly said.

Also Thursday, the Board authorized the adoption of the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2022. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. June 24 on the Main Campus in Galesburg.

In other business, the Board approved the following:

• A resolution recognizing student trustee Makayla Crain for her service to the Board and College.
• Summer business hours of 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays from May 17-Aug. 6.
• Acceptance of a bid from Carpenter Bus Sales for the lease of two 15-passenger buses at a rate of $1,830 per month.
• Resignation/retirement of Margie Clay as office assistant for Humanities/Social Sciences, effective April 30.
• Resignation/retirement of Daniel Yasenko as coordinator of advising and counseling, effective June 30.
• Resignation of William Anderson as full-time faculty for associate degree nursing, effective April 16.
• Employment of Devon Gavel as public safety officer, effective May 1.

 The Board’s next scheduled meeting is 7 p.m. May 27. Due to the coronavirus, a location has yet to be announced.