Ozark School District Earns Prestigious Meritorious Budget Award
Ozark School District Earns Prestigious Meritorious Budget Award
Ozark School District can add another award to its list of accolades — this one rather unique to southwest Missouri. On Aug. 29, 2025, the Association of School Business Officials International announced that Ozark earned the prestigious Meritorious Budget Award for the fiscal year 2025-26. Last year, only six school districts in the state of Missouri received this national recognition; and less than 140 school districts received it nationwide.
Superintendent Dr. Lori Wilson said this award is a reflection of the expertise and dedication demonstrated by the district’s Finance and Business Services Department.
“This recognition highlights the exceptional work our team does every day to ensure fiscal responsibility and support the district’s mission,” she said. “Their commitment to excellence plays a vital role in the success of our schools and students.”
Dr. Landon Gray, Ozark executive director of finance and business services, said this was the first year Ozark submitted for this prestigious award, and the district is honored to have received it.
“We are proud to receive ASBO’s prestigious Meritorious Budget Award, recognizing exemplary practices in budget preparation and a strong commitment to financial stewardship,” he said. “This is an honor that reflects our ongoing effort to be transparent and responsible with the resources entrusted to us by our community.”
ASBO International’s Meritorious Budget Award program sets the standard for excellence in school budget development and communication. Designed to help school business professionals enhance their financial planning skills, the program ensures that district budgets are not only comprehensive but also accessible and informative for stakeholders. To achieve this distinction, school districts submit their budget documents for a rigorous peer review process conducted by experienced school finance professionals. Each submission is carefully evaluated against ASBO International’s MBA Criteria Checklist, and districts receive valuable feedback to refine and strengthen their budget presentations.
“An effective school budget is more than just numbers — it’s a vital tool for building trust and engaging the community,” said Jim Rowan, CAE, SFO, executive director of ASBO International. “The Meritorious Budget Award recognizes districts like Ozark R-VI School District that prioritize financial clarity and accountability. We commend their dedication to upholding nationally recognized budget presentation standards.”
For more information about ASBO International’s Meritorious Budget Award program, visit asbointl.org/MBA.
