Mentor Schools has once again earned recognition from Ohio Auditor Ken Faber’s office for financial reporting. The district received the Auditor’s Award with Distinction and was told their exemplary reporting serves as the standard for clean, accountable government, representing the highest level of service to Ohioans. The second award is a four-star StaRS rating for public records requests and sunshine laws. According to the state, “it is the highest achievement in open and transparent government.” Mentor Schools Chief Financial Officer Bill Wade said with a district as large as this, it is a collective effort that spans far beyond his office. “These honors are a testament to all the employees involved in all aspects of finances, not just my office,” Wade said. “We couldn’t have it without a great team of people in the buildings doing everything in the buildings from secretaries and principals and everyone in between. Mentor, being as large as we are, we take good care and try to earn good care to be responsible to everyone in the district.” Wade said the clean audit report and this award are evidence of their continued work toward maximizing district resources. “The more people that are involved the more likelihood that there are mistakes, but we have a great team here and take constant feedback and make constant adjustments,” he said. “Communication is key. If there is a mistake, we want to be sure it doesn’t happen again. To not be able to have communication or it is different because of size poses potential for more issues.” Wade added it is important to show the community the district takes a serious responsibility with taxpayer dollars and there is no time to get complacent. “It’s the former coach and leader in me to continue to not be satisfied and strive for excellence and high expectations,” he said.