Holly Area Schools marks another year with a clean audit and continued strong fiscal stewardship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026
CONTACT: Christopher Behnan, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (248) 767-4377
Holly Area Schools marks another year with a clean audit and continued strong fiscal stewardship
Clean FY26 audit demonstrates district’s continued record of responsible fiscal management in helping students succeed
HOLLY, Mich. — Holly Area Schools continues to demonstrate strong fiscal stewardship and responsible management of taxpayer dollars with the district’s Fiscal Year 2026 audit. The FY26 audit, accepted by the Holly Area Schools Board of Education on Oct. 5, identified no findings and no material audit adjustments, continuing the district’s longstanding record of sound financial management.
The FY26 audit, conducted by independent auditor Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors, reflects the district’s responsible budgeting practices and consistent oversight of tax dollars. Holly Area Schools has maintained stable financial operations, with the district remaining within approximately 5% of budgeted revenues and expenditures in the current fiscal year and over the past several years.
“The consistency we see in Holly Area Schools’ financial operations reflects the district’s commitment to sound financial practices and strong internal controls,” said Jennifer Watkins, principal in the Flint office of Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors and leader of the firm’s Education Services Group. “An unmodified audit opinion is the highest level of assurance an auditor can provide on the financial statements, and the district’s continued record of unmodified opinions, with no findings or material audit adjustments, demonstrates a strong commitment to responsible financial management.”
The district’s financial practices include established internal controls and appropriate separation of duties within the business office, along with ongoing oversight by the Board of Education, superintendent, finance team and district administrators.
“At Holly Area Schools, we take tremendous pride in our proven track record of fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools superintendent. “Since being named Holly superintendent, I have worked directly with our school board with a shared goal of achieving long-range financial stability in our district. Over the past decade, we have taken significant measures to demonstrate proactive and responsible management of taxpayer dollars while maintaining the financial stability needed to support our students and our schools.”
As a result of these efforts, Holly Area Schools went from a district with a less than 1 percent fund balance and identified as an Early Warning district by the Michigan Department of Treasury to a district assigned an “A+” underlying rating and an “AA” enhanced long-term rating by S&P Global Ratings. This reflects the district’s improved and strong track record of sound financial management and positive operating performance over the past decade.
In addition to maintaining strong annual financial operations, Holly Area Schools has taken proactive steps to reduce costs for taxpayers by strategically refinancing and paying down outstanding bond debt. These efforts have saved taxpayers millions of dollars, reduced long-term debt obligations and strengthened the district’s overall financial position.
Most recently, S&P Global Ratings assigned Holly Area Schools an “A+” underlying rating and an “AA” enhanced long-term rating, reflecting the district’s strong track record of sound financial management and positive operating performance over the past decade.
“Fiscal responsibility is about making decisions that serve our students and community both today and for years to come,” Roper said. “Our work to manage debt, maintain strong financial controls and carefully monitor our budget is ultimately about protecting taxpayer dollars and preserving our ability to invest in the success of all Bronchos.”
The FY26 audit is the latest example of Holly Area Schools’ proven track record of fiscal responsibility and transparency while maintaining its commitment to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for careers and success. The district will continue to prioritize responsible financial management to ensure it remains well-positioned to meet the needs of students and families now and in the future.
The full audit report will be posted on our district website after a final review from the federal government.
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