When the dollars are shrinking, it’s important to know where those dollars are going.

School financing in Arizona has always been a rather nebulous proposition – the restrictions and accounting alone are enough to frighten away the average person. However, that’s no excuse for having things done thoroughly and in correct fashion.

Seems as if the Fountain Hills Unified School District in recent years could have been a bit more careful when it came to financial reporting. An auditor general’s report from 2014 pointed out some accounting irregularities and deficiencies when it came to budgeting, spending and reporting.

When Dr. Patrick Sweeney officially took office as schools superintendent on July 1, he fully understood that FHUSD had been facing some controversies in recent years – declining student enrollment, teacher layoffs, teacher firings, not renewing the contract of a former superintendent, less revenues, etc., etc.

It appears one area where he has taken charge rather quickly has to do with finances and financial reporting. Sweeney brought along with him a colleague from Paradise, Dr. Robert Allen, who is the district’s new assistant superintendent of business operations.

The two have undertaken a process to educate the School Board (and the public) about district finances. Allen also is tackling the inconsistencies from the past and working on making sure any future accounting and financial reporting is accurate.

These types of things are important to instill trust among citizens concerning the district. The community of Fountain Hills has supported FHUSD over the years with bond issues, budget overrides, tax credit donations and more. For that support to continue, taxpayers need to know the public’s money is being used wisely and that the accounting of that revenue is accurate and timely.