By Linda Kor Northland Pioneer College received overall good marks on its financial and single year audits conducted by the Auditor General’s Office. During a presentation by representatives of the Auditor General to the Navajo County Community College District Governing Board Tuesday the results of the audits were made public. Financial Audit Director Jay Zsorey commented that he was pleased with the results. “The district received a really good report for the first time out the gate. This is the first community college in the state to be issued a CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) on an initial attempt,” he said. According to the report, the qualitative aspects of accounting practices and compliance with federal program requirements showed no negative findings, and the audit found that the information in the district’s financial statements is fairly represented. However, auditors did have one finding identified as an internal control weakness that the district must address. The control weakness involves a number of instances where items removed from district equipment inventory were reported on the next fiscal year or in some instances not reported on the correct form. The auditors noted that this was a repeat finding and that it needs to be resolved. In seeking clarification of the circumstances, board member James Matson noted, “I just want assurance that no one has walked off with a pickup.” Maderia Ellison, interim vice president for Administrative Services, explained that it’s not a circumstance of that nature and that all items are accounted for, but a review of policy and a training will take place in order to ensure that equipment that is disposed of is reported correctly. The board also selected officers for the coming year, with Chairwoman Ginnie Handorf and Secretary Daniel Peaches retaining those posts by unanimous vote. In other action Jan. 19, the board: * Approved the modification of the Business (BUS) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) and Certificate of Proficiency (CP) in Management and Leadership. * Approved hearing officers for 2016. * Authorized acceptance of a $55,633 First Things First Professional Development for Early Care and Education Professionals grant for the Navajo Nation Regional Partnership Council of First Things First. * Tabled an item regarding discussion and possible action pertaining to the litigation involving the Holbrook campus skills center and Whiteriver Construction, Inc.