In its annual external audit conducted by an independent agency, the Massapequa School district once again was found to have firm economic footing when it comes to district finances and the allocation of taxpayers' money.

The 2005 State audit, conducted by New York State Education Comptroller Alan Hevesi's office, noted that the district manages its finances in a fiscally sound manner, and that proper controls and procedures are in place and are being followed.

The annual external audit, conducted by RS Abrams & Company, noted similar conclusions and was presented to the Board of Education by representatives from RS Abrams during the Board's November 17th public session.

New York State law requires school districts and other municipalities to have an audit conducted annually by a third party, independent agency.

This was the first year the Board secured RS Abrams to conduct the external audit, and they were quite impressed with the detail and thoroughness of the work completed.

In the management letter that RS Abrams & Company prepared after the completion of the audit, the firm noted it was "impressed by very strong district controls and strong segregation of duties."

RS Abrams conducted many tests of internal control, such as "surprise payroll observations" and found that "no material problems existed.

The auditors found that "the long term view and rating of the district is very strong..." and that "the district qualifies as low risk" with regard to its business organization.

The final part of the audit examined the district's compliance with the New York State Comptroller's, "Five Point Schools Accountability Plan" and found that Massapequa is ahead of schedule in being compliant with the plan.

Stated Board of Education President Arlene Martin, "Our goal is to continue to maintain strong fiscal integrity while keeping the needs of our students and community a top priority."