District Accountant receives prestigious award

Accountant Sharon Suver-Jones was recently recognized for her top-notch business "cents." She received the Award of Merit—one of the most prestigious honors awarded each year—at the Washington Association of School Business Officials (WASBO) on May 3 in Yakima.

Sharon received the award for her work overseeing school ASB funds. She keeps meticulous records and works with schools daily to offer legal guidance on how money should be tracked. One bookkeeper described Sharon's support as "never-flinching, always-available" and a definite lifeline as she navigates school finances, which come with exacting accountability standards.

WASBO's award letter shows that Sharon's expertise has made an impact statewide:

"In addition to serving as a teacher/facilitator for our highly successfully WASBO Associated Student Body (ASB) seminars, she constantly leads workshops in Issaquah School District for staff, students, and parents. Her knowledge and ability to instruct people has led those she has taught to be wise stewards of state funds in a very complex program. Her contributions to WASBO have been many—contributing member and former chair of the ASB Committee, constant monitor of our ASB list-serve, annual presenter and presider at the WASBO conference, and valued associate of the ASB seminar planning team. Recently Sharon led the revision of the WASBO ASB Procedure Manual that is the guide used by state auditors and school districts. It is even used as a text in several university courses. Sharon's wealth of experiences in directing, advising, and teaching school business practices have given her the expertise to serve as a consultant for schools statewide—her advice is sought often. She is a true role model."