(Left to right): Wes Souden, Director of Business Services; Julie Gorter, Executive Assistant; Christine Thomas-Hill, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations; and Sandy Low, Director of Finance.

For the 21st consecutive year, Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) has been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Excellence (COE) in Financial Reporting by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). The honor recognizes the district’s exemplary Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

The COE is considered the "gold standard" for financial transparency. By voluntarily participating in the program, TCAPS submits its financial records to a panel of experts for rigorous review to ensure they meet the highest national standards. This commitment to accountability helps strengthen the district’s bond ratings and ensures the community has a clear, accurate view of how resources are managed.

“This milestone reflects the deep expertise of our financial team,” said Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner. “Every dollar we manage is an investment in our students’ futures, and we are committed to being the most responsible and transparent stewards for our community.”

The full award-winning ACFR is available for public review on the TCAPS website.