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TEDCO'S Entrepreneur Expo To Host "Unlocking Capital: Lending & Investment Strategies For Business Growth" Panel
COLUMBIA, Maryland, Sept. 5 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release:
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TEDCO'S Entrepreneur Expo To Host "Unlocking Capital: Lending & Investment Strategies For Business Growth" Panel
Session will feature leaders from Fulton Bank, Bank of America, TCP Venture Capital and FSC First, moderated by TEDCO board member Thomas Bundy III
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TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announces the "Unlocking Capital: Lending & Investment Strategies for Business Growth" session at the upcoming 2026 Entrepreneur Expo taking place at the ... Show Full Article COLUMBIA, Maryland, Sept. 5 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release: * * * TEDCO'S Entrepreneur Expo To Host "Unlocking Capital: Lending & Investment Strategies For Business Growth" Panel Session will feature leaders from Fulton Bank, Bank of America, TCP Venture Capital and FSC First, moderated by TEDCO board member Thomas Bundy III - TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announces the "Unlocking Capital: Lending & Investment Strategies for Business Growth" session at the upcoming 2026 Entrepreneur Expo taking place at theHilton Baltimore Inner Harbor on October 27, 2026.
The session will bring together Joe Durham, market president for Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Washington, D.C. at Fulton Bank, a Mid-Atlantic community bank serving more than 200 financial centers across five states; Maryam Tayeri, senior vice president and business banking market executive for the Baltimore metro market at Bank of America; Chris College, managing partner of TCP Venture Capital, a Baltimore-based early-stage technology investment firm; and Dawn Medley, president and chief executive officer of FSC First, a Largo-based community development financial institution that has lent more than $109 million to Prince George's County businesses -- for a conversation moderated by Thomas Bundy III, a member of TEDCO's board of directors and a member of Zealous Advocates, a Baltimore litigation firm.
Access to capital does not have to mean a one-size-fits-all approach. This session brings together executive leaders from leading banks and venture capital firms to break down the full spectrum of funding options available to growing businesses, from traditional lending to equity investment.
"Founders often assume there is one path to capital, and that path runs through an equity round," said Bundy. "In practice, the companies that grow well tend to be the ones that understand the full range of options and know which instrument fits the moment they are in. That is what this panel is built to make clear."
Panelists will explore how entrepreneurs can identify, secure and strategically leverage capital to scale their ventures, whether they are looking to preserve ownership or bring on strategic investors. Attendees will learn what banks and investors evaluate before they commit, how to position a business competitively across different sources, and how to turn funding into long-term growth.
The conversation arrives as venture capital grows more concentrated and harder for most founders to reach. U.S. startups raised more than $400 billion in the first half of 2026, already surpassing all of 2025, but megadeals of $100 million or more captured 87.5% of the funding deployed, and AI companies accounted for 86% of all venture dollars. For companies outside that narrow band, understanding the alternatives matters. Building a company in Baltimore also costs roughly 60% less than in San Francisco and 44% less than in New York City, economics that extend a founder's runway well before a term sheet enters the picture.
TEDCO's award-winning Entrepreneur Expo shines a spotlight on regional entrepreneurship. Attracting more than 1,170 attendees, the event collects some of the region's top entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, venture capital investors, legislators and resources for a day of celebration. This year, the event will take place in Baltimore, one of the top 20 best cities for entrepreneurs, offering a full day of interactive workshops, insightful discussions and inspiring connections.
Don't miss the opportunity to learn from the region's top experts, including keynote guests Anirban Basu, Tamla Olivier and TEDCO's very own Troy LeMaile-Stovall; secure your spot at this impactful event now at tedcomdexpo.com/event/2026/register.
* * *
About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.
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Original text here: https://www.tedcomd.com/press-release/tedcos-entrepreneur-expo-host-unlocking-capital-lending-investment-strategies
* * *
TEDCO'S Entrepreneur Expo To Host "Unlocking Capital: Lending & Investment Strategies For Business Growth" Panel
Session will feature leaders from Fulton Bank, Bank of America, TCP Venture Capital and FSC First, moderated by TEDCO board member Thomas Bundy III
-
TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announces the "Unlocking Capital: Lending & Investment Strategies for Business Growth" session at the upcoming 2026 Entrepreneur Expo taking place at the ... Show Full Article COLUMBIA, Maryland, Sept. 5 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release: * * * TEDCO'S Entrepreneur Expo To Host "Unlocking Capital: Lending & Investment Strategies For Business Growth" Panel Session will feature leaders from Fulton Bank, Bank of America, TCP Venture Capital and FSC First, moderated by TEDCO board member Thomas Bundy III - TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announces the "Unlocking Capital: Lending & Investment Strategies for Business Growth" session at the upcoming 2026 Entrepreneur Expo taking place at theHilton Baltimore Inner Harbor on October 27, 2026.
The session will bring together Joe Durham, market president for Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Washington, D.C. at Fulton Bank, a Mid-Atlantic community bank serving more than 200 financial centers across five states; Maryam Tayeri, senior vice president and business banking market executive for the Baltimore metro market at Bank of America; Chris College, managing partner of TCP Venture Capital, a Baltimore-based early-stage technology investment firm; and Dawn Medley, president and chief executive officer of FSC First, a Largo-based community development financial institution that has lent more than $109 million to Prince George's County businesses -- for a conversation moderated by Thomas Bundy III, a member of TEDCO's board of directors and a member of Zealous Advocates, a Baltimore litigation firm.
Access to capital does not have to mean a one-size-fits-all approach. This session brings together executive leaders from leading banks and venture capital firms to break down the full spectrum of funding options available to growing businesses, from traditional lending to equity investment.
"Founders often assume there is one path to capital, and that path runs through an equity round," said Bundy. "In practice, the companies that grow well tend to be the ones that understand the full range of options and know which instrument fits the moment they are in. That is what this panel is built to make clear."
Panelists will explore how entrepreneurs can identify, secure and strategically leverage capital to scale their ventures, whether they are looking to preserve ownership or bring on strategic investors. Attendees will learn what banks and investors evaluate before they commit, how to position a business competitively across different sources, and how to turn funding into long-term growth.
The conversation arrives as venture capital grows more concentrated and harder for most founders to reach. U.S. startups raised more than $400 billion in the first half of 2026, already surpassing all of 2025, but megadeals of $100 million or more captured 87.5% of the funding deployed, and AI companies accounted for 86% of all venture dollars. For companies outside that narrow band, understanding the alternatives matters. Building a company in Baltimore also costs roughly 60% less than in San Francisco and 44% less than in New York City, economics that extend a founder's runway well before a term sheet enters the picture.
TEDCO's award-winning Entrepreneur Expo shines a spotlight on regional entrepreneurship. Attracting more than 1,170 attendees, the event collects some of the region's top entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, venture capital investors, legislators and resources for a day of celebration. This year, the event will take place in Baltimore, one of the top 20 best cities for entrepreneurs, offering a full day of interactive workshops, insightful discussions and inspiring connections.
Don't miss the opportunity to learn from the region's top experts, including keynote guests Anirban Basu, Tamla Olivier and TEDCO's very own Troy LeMaile-Stovall; secure your spot at this impactful event now at tedcomdexpo.com/event/2026/register.
* * *
About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.
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Original text here: https://www.tedcomd.com/press-release/tedcos-entrepreneur-expo-host-unlocking-capital-lending-investment-strategies
Mich. Education Dept.: State Must Continue Carrying Out Evidence-Based Plans to Improve Student Proficiency
LANSING, Michigan, Sept. 5 -- The Michigan Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Michigan Must Continue Carrying Out Evidence-Based Plans to Improve Student Proficiency
State Test Scores Released Today Show Continued Collaboration Is Needed for Higher Achievement in English, Math, Science and Social Studies
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Michigan education leaders are reiterating their commitment to evidence-based instruction proven to improve student proficiency as the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) releases the 2026 M-STEP and SAT/PSAT scores today.
Most proficiency rates are essentially ... Show Full Article LANSING, Michigan, Sept. 5 -- The Michigan Department of Education issued the following news release: * * * Michigan Must Continue Carrying Out Evidence-Based Plans to Improve Student Proficiency State Test Scores Released Today Show Continued Collaboration Is Needed for Higher Achievement in English, Math, Science and Social Studies - Michigan education leaders are reiterating their commitment to evidence-based instruction proven to improve student proficiency as the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) releases the 2026 M-STEP and SAT/PSAT scores today. Most proficiency rates are essentiallyflat when compared to 2025 results on the tests, with the rates on all except four of 20 tests staying within 2 percentage points of the numbers in 2025 and most staying within a percentage point.
"It will take continued hard work from everyone and a strong Students First approach to improve student achievement across Michigan," said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. "That means we must emphasize teamwork involving MDE, the State Board of Education, local school districts, parents, the governor, the legislature, the business and philanthropic communities, education associations, labor, higher education and libraries. The good news is that we have broad and bipartisan support for plans to use evidence-based methods such as the Science of Reading to improve student proficiency. However, we need to make improvements to help our students achieve at higher levels. We need to increase proficiency rates in all subject areas and show steady improvement over time."
The M-STEP and SAT/PSAT scores measure student proficiency in English language arts, math, science and social studies. The Center for Educational Performance and Information posts statewide results under "K-12 Grade" and "State Testing" on MI School Data (mischooldata.org), Michigan's official education data portal.
"MDE's top priority is literacy because reading is the foundation to students' success in other subjects and ultimately in postsecondary education and their careers," said Dr. Delsa Chapman, the deputy superintendent of the department's Division of Assessment, School Improvement, and Systems Support. "At the same time, the department also is focusing on using evidence-based methods to improve proficiency in math, science and social studies."
When it comes to literacy, the department is implementing historic measures passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in late 2024 and 2026. The 2024 law is just now getting close to being fully implemented and work is beginning on carrying out requirements in the July 2026 laws, so the state test results from assessments students took in spring 2026 don't yet fully reflect the benefits of the laws.
MDE and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential in March released the Every Child Reads Next Steps Forward plan and the governor in May issued Executive Order 2026-12: Every Child Reads Champions Council. On Thursday Gov. Whitmer announced appointments to the Every Child Reads Council that will advise the governor on Michigan's literacy agenda.
The department is implementing the 2024 literacy and dyslexia laws by:
* Awarding more than $150 million in total to more than 500 districts in each of two rounds of grants to purchase whole class or intervention literacy materials, professional learning for teachers, or literacy assessments that have been approved by the MDE Committee for Literacy Achievement.
* Approving a list of assessments to screen and monitor the progress of children who need extra support in learning to read and a list of evidence-based literacy curricula for Michigan schools to use.
* Requiring the state's teacher preparation programs by September 2027 to provide all teacher candidates with instruction in the characteristics of dyslexia, difficulties in learning to decode accurately and efficiently, and instructional adjustments for students with reading challenges.
* Developing a list of approved K-3 valid and reliable screening and progress monitoring reading assessments and a list of evidence-based tier 1, class-wide elementary reading curricula and materials that research has shown improves literacy outcomes and helps pupils achieve reading proficiency.
* Approving literacy curricula and screening and progress-monitoring assessments that use the Science of Reading to improve literacy instruction. The Science of Reading focuses on teaching students phonemic awareness (the ability to recognize sound), phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
The 2026 literacy laws will ensure that the people who are responsible for teaching reading to Michigan children have the professional learning they need in the Science of Reading. One law requires state-funded Science of Reading professional learning for public school teachers who teach reading in grades K-5. Another requires faculty at educator preparation programs to receive training in the Science of Reading.
So far more than 7,600 educators in Michigan have completed Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training in the Science of Reading, but the training has been voluntary.
To improve math achievement, among other things the department this fall is rolling out the Michigan Mathematics Framework, with a focus on a shared vision for mathematics learning; evidence-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and coordinated systems for mathematics. Together, these components will ensure all students have access to high-quality and engaging learning opportunities in mathematics.
Science efforts include the department's creation of a committee for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics--better known as STEM--achievement that will recommend tools and strategies with the goal of increasing student achievement in science.
In social studies, efforts to improve proficiency include an American history toolkit that MDE has made available to local educators to increase engagement and knowledge and other assistance being provided statewide by the department's social studies consultant.
"Michigan's educators remain deeply committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed," said Dr. Tina Kerr, executive director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators. "State assessment results provide an important measure of our progress, while also helping us identify where additional focus and support are needed. We have seen the value of a sustained focus on strengthening literacy across Michigan, and we know meaningful improvement takes time, commitment and collaboration. The Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators looks forward to continuing to work alongside MDE, local school leaders and educators to build on this work and improve outcomes for students across our state."
The Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP, is designed to gauge how well students are progressing toward state subject matter standards. These standards, developed for educators by educators, broadly outline what students should know and be able to do to be prepared to enter the workplace, career education training and college.
When combined with classroom work, report cards, local district assessments, formative assessment practices (daily information about students' knowledge, understanding, and skills to address their learning needs),and other local tools, M-STEP results help offer a comprehensive view of student progress and achievement.
The M-STEP assessments are rigorous and not meant to measure reading ability or math ability by themselves. They are meant to measure understanding of a broad set of rigorous subject matter standards. Because these assessments are high-bar tests, students who score partially proficient are not necessarily performing below their grade level, and many who are below the proficient benchmark are successful throughout school, in high school, in college and in their chosen professions.
The SAT is administered by the College Board and students' scores are among many criteria that universities and colleges may use to make admissions decisions. The PSAT is a pretest for the SAT.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2026/09/04/mi-must-continue-plans-to-improve-student-proficiency
* * *
Michigan Must Continue Carrying Out Evidence-Based Plans to Improve Student Proficiency
State Test Scores Released Today Show Continued Collaboration Is Needed for Higher Achievement in English, Math, Science and Social Studies
-
Michigan education leaders are reiterating their commitment to evidence-based instruction proven to improve student proficiency as the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) releases the 2026 M-STEP and SAT/PSAT scores today.
Most proficiency rates are essentially ... Show Full Article LANSING, Michigan, Sept. 5 -- The Michigan Department of Education issued the following news release: * * * Michigan Must Continue Carrying Out Evidence-Based Plans to Improve Student Proficiency State Test Scores Released Today Show Continued Collaboration Is Needed for Higher Achievement in English, Math, Science and Social Studies - Michigan education leaders are reiterating their commitment to evidence-based instruction proven to improve student proficiency as the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) releases the 2026 M-STEP and SAT/PSAT scores today. Most proficiency rates are essentiallyflat when compared to 2025 results on the tests, with the rates on all except four of 20 tests staying within 2 percentage points of the numbers in 2025 and most staying within a percentage point.
"It will take continued hard work from everyone and a strong Students First approach to improve student achievement across Michigan," said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. "That means we must emphasize teamwork involving MDE, the State Board of Education, local school districts, parents, the governor, the legislature, the business and philanthropic communities, education associations, labor, higher education and libraries. The good news is that we have broad and bipartisan support for plans to use evidence-based methods such as the Science of Reading to improve student proficiency. However, we need to make improvements to help our students achieve at higher levels. We need to increase proficiency rates in all subject areas and show steady improvement over time."
The M-STEP and SAT/PSAT scores measure student proficiency in English language arts, math, science and social studies. The Center for Educational Performance and Information posts statewide results under "K-12 Grade" and "State Testing" on MI School Data (mischooldata.org), Michigan's official education data portal.
"MDE's top priority is literacy because reading is the foundation to students' success in other subjects and ultimately in postsecondary education and their careers," said Dr. Delsa Chapman, the deputy superintendent of the department's Division of Assessment, School Improvement, and Systems Support. "At the same time, the department also is focusing on using evidence-based methods to improve proficiency in math, science and social studies."
When it comes to literacy, the department is implementing historic measures passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in late 2024 and 2026. The 2024 law is just now getting close to being fully implemented and work is beginning on carrying out requirements in the July 2026 laws, so the state test results from assessments students took in spring 2026 don't yet fully reflect the benefits of the laws.
MDE and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential in March released the Every Child Reads Next Steps Forward plan and the governor in May issued Executive Order 2026-12: Every Child Reads Champions Council. On Thursday Gov. Whitmer announced appointments to the Every Child Reads Council that will advise the governor on Michigan's literacy agenda.
The department is implementing the 2024 literacy and dyslexia laws by:
* Awarding more than $150 million in total to more than 500 districts in each of two rounds of grants to purchase whole class or intervention literacy materials, professional learning for teachers, or literacy assessments that have been approved by the MDE Committee for Literacy Achievement.
* Approving a list of assessments to screen and monitor the progress of children who need extra support in learning to read and a list of evidence-based literacy curricula for Michigan schools to use.
* Requiring the state's teacher preparation programs by September 2027 to provide all teacher candidates with instruction in the characteristics of dyslexia, difficulties in learning to decode accurately and efficiently, and instructional adjustments for students with reading challenges.
* Developing a list of approved K-3 valid and reliable screening and progress monitoring reading assessments and a list of evidence-based tier 1, class-wide elementary reading curricula and materials that research has shown improves literacy outcomes and helps pupils achieve reading proficiency.
* Approving literacy curricula and screening and progress-monitoring assessments that use the Science of Reading to improve literacy instruction. The Science of Reading focuses on teaching students phonemic awareness (the ability to recognize sound), phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
The 2026 literacy laws will ensure that the people who are responsible for teaching reading to Michigan children have the professional learning they need in the Science of Reading. One law requires state-funded Science of Reading professional learning for public school teachers who teach reading in grades K-5. Another requires faculty at educator preparation programs to receive training in the Science of Reading.
So far more than 7,600 educators in Michigan have completed Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training in the Science of Reading, but the training has been voluntary.
To improve math achievement, among other things the department this fall is rolling out the Michigan Mathematics Framework, with a focus on a shared vision for mathematics learning; evidence-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and coordinated systems for mathematics. Together, these components will ensure all students have access to high-quality and engaging learning opportunities in mathematics.
Science efforts include the department's creation of a committee for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics--better known as STEM--achievement that will recommend tools and strategies with the goal of increasing student achievement in science.
In social studies, efforts to improve proficiency include an American history toolkit that MDE has made available to local educators to increase engagement and knowledge and other assistance being provided statewide by the department's social studies consultant.
"Michigan's educators remain deeply committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed," said Dr. Tina Kerr, executive director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators. "State assessment results provide an important measure of our progress, while also helping us identify where additional focus and support are needed. We have seen the value of a sustained focus on strengthening literacy across Michigan, and we know meaningful improvement takes time, commitment and collaboration. The Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators looks forward to continuing to work alongside MDE, local school leaders and educators to build on this work and improve outcomes for students across our state."
The Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP, is designed to gauge how well students are progressing toward state subject matter standards. These standards, developed for educators by educators, broadly outline what students should know and be able to do to be prepared to enter the workplace, career education training and college.
When combined with classroom work, report cards, local district assessments, formative assessment practices (daily information about students' knowledge, understanding, and skills to address their learning needs),and other local tools, M-STEP results help offer a comprehensive view of student progress and achievement.
The M-STEP assessments are rigorous and not meant to measure reading ability or math ability by themselves. They are meant to measure understanding of a broad set of rigorous subject matter standards. Because these assessments are high-bar tests, students who score partially proficient are not necessarily performing below their grade level, and many who are below the proficient benchmark are successful throughout school, in high school, in college and in their chosen professions.
The SAT is administered by the College Board and students' scores are among many criteria that universities and colleges may use to make admissions decisions. The PSAT is a pretest for the SAT.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2026/09/04/mi-must-continue-plans-to-improve-student-proficiency
Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce SNAP Replacement Benefits Extension For Bexar County Residents Affected By Storms
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 5 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
* * *
Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce SNAP Replacement Benefits Extension For Bexar County Residents Affected By Storms
*
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received federal approval to extend the time Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Bexar County can apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed by recent storms.
"As families across Texas recover from recent severe weather and flooding, it is critical ... Show Full Article AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 5 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce SNAP Replacement Benefits Extension For Bexar County Residents Affected By Storms * Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received federal approval to extend the time Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Bexar County can apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed by recent storms. "As families across Texas recover from recent severe weather and flooding, it is criticalthat they have the support they need to rebuild," said Governor Abbott. "SNAP replacement benefits will help families replace food that was lost or destroyed as we deliver all available resources to affected Texans."
SNAP recipients in Bexar County have until September 17, 2026, to apply for replacement benefits. Funds should be added to Lone Star Cards within two business days of receiving the request.
At the request of HHSC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Administration (USDA) approved extending the deadline for reporting food loss from 10 days to 20 days.
"Recent storms and power outages have made it harder for many families in Bexar County to access healthy food," HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said. "We are grateful to our federal partners for their collaboration in making these replacement benefits available."
SNAP recipients can call 2-1-1 and, after selecting a language, select option 7 to request a benefit replacement. Recipients may also visit a local HHSC office to request a benefit replacement. To find an office, visit YourTexasBenefits.com and click "Find an Office" at the bottom of the page.
Clients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) can also request replacement benefits for food purchased with September WIC benefits that was lost due to power outages or storm damage. WIC clients should contact their WIC office before September 30, 2026, if they need replacement benefits. Find a local WIC office at TexasWIC.org.
Texans impacted by any disaster can visit the HHSC Receiving Disaster Assistance webpage for more information. To find local resources, such as food or shelter, dial 2-1-1 and select option 1.
***
Original text here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-hhsc-announce-snap-replacement-benefits-extension-for-bexar-county-residents-affected-by-storms
* * *
Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce SNAP Replacement Benefits Extension For Bexar County Residents Affected By Storms
*
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received federal approval to extend the time Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Bexar County can apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed by recent storms.
"As families across Texas recover from recent severe weather and flooding, it is critical ... Show Full Article AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 5 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce SNAP Replacement Benefits Extension For Bexar County Residents Affected By Storms * Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received federal approval to extend the time Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Bexar County can apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed by recent storms. "As families across Texas recover from recent severe weather and flooding, it is criticalthat they have the support they need to rebuild," said Governor Abbott. "SNAP replacement benefits will help families replace food that was lost or destroyed as we deliver all available resources to affected Texans."
SNAP recipients in Bexar County have until September 17, 2026, to apply for replacement benefits. Funds should be added to Lone Star Cards within two business days of receiving the request.
At the request of HHSC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Administration (USDA) approved extending the deadline for reporting food loss from 10 days to 20 days.
"Recent storms and power outages have made it harder for many families in Bexar County to access healthy food," HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said. "We are grateful to our federal partners for their collaboration in making these replacement benefits available."
SNAP recipients can call 2-1-1 and, after selecting a language, select option 7 to request a benefit replacement. Recipients may also visit a local HHSC office to request a benefit replacement. To find an office, visit YourTexasBenefits.com and click "Find an Office" at the bottom of the page.
Clients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) can also request replacement benefits for food purchased with September WIC benefits that was lost due to power outages or storm damage. WIC clients should contact their WIC office before September 30, 2026, if they need replacement benefits. Find a local WIC office at TexasWIC.org.
Texans impacted by any disaster can visit the HHSC Receiving Disaster Assistance webpage for more information. To find local resources, such as food or shelter, dial 2-1-1 and select option 1.
***
Original text here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-hhsc-announce-snap-replacement-benefits-extension-for-bexar-county-residents-affected-by-storms
Gov. Newsom on California Securing Massive Victory for Democracy
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 5 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Sept. 4, 2026:
* * *
Governor Gavin Newsom on California securing massive victory for democracy
Governor Gavin Newsom just issued the following statement in response to California, working with other states, securing a huge win for democracy against the Trump Administration's attempts to restrict voting rights via the U.S. Postal Service.
* * *
California teamed up with other states and just beat the Trump Administration in defending democracy.
They tried to restrict voting rights via ... Show Full Article SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 5 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Sept. 4, 2026: * * * Governor Gavin Newsom on California securing massive victory for democracy Governor Gavin Newsom just issued the following statement in response to California, working with other states, securing a huge win for democracy against the Trump Administration's attempts to restrict voting rights via the U.S. Postal Service. * * * California teamed up with other states and just beat the Trump Administration in defending democracy. They tried to restrict voting rights viathe USPS system, we sued, and we won an order blocking the USPS rule through the November elections!
As ballots begin to be mailed out across the country, we must all continue to take concrete action to safeguard our republic.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
This ruling, which comes in the aftermath of the Governor promising action, means a Preliminary Injunction is in place blocking the USPS' rule as litigation takes place in the courts.
Importantly, this order moots the appeal pending with the U.S. Supreme Court.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/04/governor-gavin-newsom-on-california-securing-massive-victory-for-democracy/
* * *
Governor Gavin Newsom on California securing massive victory for democracy
Governor Gavin Newsom just issued the following statement in response to California, working with other states, securing a huge win for democracy against the Trump Administration's attempts to restrict voting rights via the U.S. Postal Service.
* * *
California teamed up with other states and just beat the Trump Administration in defending democracy.
They tried to restrict voting rights via ... Show Full Article SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 5 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Sept. 4, 2026: * * * Governor Gavin Newsom on California securing massive victory for democracy Governor Gavin Newsom just issued the following statement in response to California, working with other states, securing a huge win for democracy against the Trump Administration's attempts to restrict voting rights via the U.S. Postal Service. * * * California teamed up with other states and just beat the Trump Administration in defending democracy. They tried to restrict voting rights viathe USPS system, we sued, and we won an order blocking the USPS rule through the November elections!
As ballots begin to be mailed out across the country, we must all continue to take concrete action to safeguard our republic.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
This ruling, which comes in the aftermath of the Governor promising action, means a Preliminary Injunction is in place blocking the USPS' rule as litigation takes place in the courts.
Importantly, this order moots the appeal pending with the U.S. Supreme Court.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/04/governor-gavin-newsom-on-california-securing-massive-victory-for-democracy/
Ga. Dept. of Audits & Accounts: Warren County Board of Education
ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 5 -- The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts issued the following report entitled "Warren County Board of Education."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Independent Auditor's Report
The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia
Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia
Members of the State Board of Education
and
Dr. Christopher D. Harris, Sr., Superintendent and Members of the
Warren County Board of Education
Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements
Opinions
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities ... Show Full Article ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 5 -- The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts issued the following report entitled "Warren County Board of Education." Here are excerpts: * * * Independent Auditor's Report The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia Members of the State Board of Education and Dr. Christopher D. Harris, Sr., Superintendent and Members of the Warren County Board of Education Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements Opinions We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activitiesand each major fund of the Warren County Board of Education (School District) as of and for the year ended June 30, 2025, and the
related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the School District's basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities and each major fund of the School District as of June 30, 2025,
and the respective changes in financial position for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the
Comptroller General of the United States. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report.
We are required to be independent of the School District and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we
have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.
Emphasis of Matter
As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, in 2025, the School District adopted new accounting guidance, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences. The School District
restated beginning balances for the effect of GASB Statement No. 101. Our opinions are not modified with respect to this matter.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation,
and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the School District's ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months beyond the financial statement date, including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinions.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards will always detect a
material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions,
misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards, we:
* Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
* Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
* Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the School District's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
* Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.
* Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the School District's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.
Required Supplementary Information
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that the Management's Discussion and Analysis and required supplementary information listed in the table of contents be presented to
supplement the basic financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, who
considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. We have applied certain limited procedures to the
required supplementary information in accordance with GAAS, which consisted of inquiries of management about the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management's responses to our inquiries, the basic financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic financial statements. We do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance.
Supplementary Information
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming opinions on the financial statements that collectively comprise the School District's basic financial statements. The accompanying supplementary information, as listed in the table of contents, is presented for the purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is presented for purposes of additional
analysis as required by Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and is also not a required part of the
basic financial statements.
The supplementary information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements. Such information has
been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements or to the basic financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with GAAS. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the basic financial statements as a whole.
Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated August 25, 2026 on our consideration of the School District's internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its
compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of the School District's internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the School District's internal control over financial reporting and compliance.
A copy of this report has been filed as a permanent record and made available to the press of the State, as provided for by Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 50-6-24.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg S. Griffin
State Auditor
August 25, 2026
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/34311?_gl=1*4frkq9*_ga*MjEyMDA0Nzk3NC4xNzg4NjAxMzAz*_ga_8Z4RV13R5J*czE3ODg2MDQyMjgkbzIkZzEkdDE3ODg2MDgzNjkkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_65FL79Y113*czE3ODg2MDQyMjgkbzIkZzEkdDE3ODg2MDgzNjkkajYwJGwwJGgw
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Independent Auditor's Report
The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia
Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia
Members of the State Board of Education
and
Dr. Christopher D. Harris, Sr., Superintendent and Members of the
Warren County Board of Education
Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements
Opinions
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities ... Show Full Article ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 5 -- The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts issued the following report entitled "Warren County Board of Education." Here are excerpts: * * * Independent Auditor's Report The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia Members of the State Board of Education and Dr. Christopher D. Harris, Sr., Superintendent and Members of the Warren County Board of Education Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements Opinions We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activitiesand each major fund of the Warren County Board of Education (School District) as of and for the year ended June 30, 2025, and the
related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the School District's basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities and each major fund of the School District as of June 30, 2025,
and the respective changes in financial position for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the
Comptroller General of the United States. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report.
We are required to be independent of the School District and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we
have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.
Emphasis of Matter
As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, in 2025, the School District adopted new accounting guidance, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences. The School District
restated beginning balances for the effect of GASB Statement No. 101. Our opinions are not modified with respect to this matter.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation,
and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the School District's ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months beyond the financial statement date, including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinions.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards will always detect a
material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions,
misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards, we:
* Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
* Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
* Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the School District's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
* Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.
* Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the School District's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.
Required Supplementary Information
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that the Management's Discussion and Analysis and required supplementary information listed in the table of contents be presented to
supplement the basic financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, who
considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. We have applied certain limited procedures to the
required supplementary information in accordance with GAAS, which consisted of inquiries of management about the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management's responses to our inquiries, the basic financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic financial statements. We do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance.
Supplementary Information
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming opinions on the financial statements that collectively comprise the School District's basic financial statements. The accompanying supplementary information, as listed in the table of contents, is presented for the purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is presented for purposes of additional
analysis as required by Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and is also not a required part of the
basic financial statements.
The supplementary information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements. Such information has
been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements or to the basic financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with GAAS. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the basic financial statements as a whole.
Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated August 25, 2026 on our consideration of the School District's internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its
compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of the School District's internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the School District's internal control over financial reporting and compliance.
A copy of this report has been filed as a permanent record and made available to the press of the State, as provided for by Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 50-6-24.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg S. Griffin
State Auditor
August 25, 2026
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/34311?_gl=1*4frkq9*_ga*MjEyMDA0Nzk3NC4xNzg4NjAxMzAz*_ga_8Z4RV13R5J*czE3ODg2MDQyMjgkbzIkZzEkdDE3ODg2MDgzNjkkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_65FL79Y113*czE3ODg2MDQyMjgkbzIkZzEkdDE3ODg2MDgzNjkkajYwJGwwJGgw
Ga. Dept. of Audits & Accounts: Southwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency
ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 5 -- The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts issued the following report entitled "Southwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Independent Auditor's Report
The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia
Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia
Members of the State Board of Education
and
Dr. Jason Miller, Executive Director and Members of the
Southwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency Board of Control
Opinion
We have audited the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balance ... Show Full Article ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 5 -- The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts issued the following report entitled "Southwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency." Here are excerpts: * * * Independent Auditor's Report The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia Members of the State Board of Education and Dr. Jason Miller, Executive Director and Members of the Southwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency Board of Control Opinion We have audited the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balanceand the related notes (financial statement) of the Southwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), a component unit of the State of Georgia, as of and for the year ended June 30, 2024.
In our opinion, the financial statement referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the respective changes in fund balance of the general fund and the related notes of the RESA for the year ended June 30, 2024,
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statement section of our report.
We are required to be independent of the RESA, and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Emphasis of Matter
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statement, the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance was prepared for the purpose of meeting the requirements of the RESA and the Georgia Department of Education and is not intended to be a complete presentation of the RESA's assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses nor does it constitute a complete set of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statement
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and for the design, implementation,
and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statement, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the RESA's ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months beyond the date of the financial statement, including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statement
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate,
they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statement.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS, we:
* Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
* Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement.
* Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the RESA's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
* Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statement.
* Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the RESA's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.
Restriction on Use
Our report is intended solely for the information and use of the RESA's management, members of the Board of Control, and the Georgia Department of Education and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone
other than these specified parties.
A copy of this report has been filed as a permanent record and made available to the press of the State, as provided for by Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 50-6-24.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg S. Griffin
State Auditor
August 7, 2026
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/34260?_gl=1*16tnek3*_ga*MjEyMDA0Nzk3NC4xNzg4NjAxMzAz*_ga_8Z4RV13R5J*czE3ODg2MDEzMDMkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODg2MDEzMDMkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_65FL79Y113*czE3ODg2MDEzMDMkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODg2MDEzMDMkajYwJGwwJGgw
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Independent Auditor's Report
The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia
Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia
Members of the State Board of Education
and
Dr. Jason Miller, Executive Director and Members of the
Southwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency Board of Control
Opinion
We have audited the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balance ... Show Full Article ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 5 -- The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts issued the following report entitled "Southwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency." Here are excerpts: * * * Independent Auditor's Report The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia Members of the State Board of Education and Dr. Jason Miller, Executive Director and Members of the Southwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency Board of Control Opinion We have audited the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balanceand the related notes (financial statement) of the Southwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), a component unit of the State of Georgia, as of and for the year ended June 30, 2024.
In our opinion, the financial statement referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the respective changes in fund balance of the general fund and the related notes of the RESA for the year ended June 30, 2024,
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statement section of our report.
We are required to be independent of the RESA, and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Emphasis of Matter
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statement, the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance was prepared for the purpose of meeting the requirements of the RESA and the Georgia Department of Education and is not intended to be a complete presentation of the RESA's assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses nor does it constitute a complete set of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statement
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and for the design, implementation,
and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statement, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the RESA's ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months beyond the date of the financial statement, including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statement
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate,
they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statement.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS, we:
* Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
* Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement.
* Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the RESA's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
* Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statement.
* Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the RESA's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.
Restriction on Use
Our report is intended solely for the information and use of the RESA's management, members of the Board of Control, and the Georgia Department of Education and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone
other than these specified parties.
A copy of this report has been filed as a permanent record and made available to the press of the State, as provided for by Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 50-6-24.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg S. Griffin
State Auditor
August 7, 2026
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/34260?_gl=1*16tnek3*_ga*MjEyMDA0Nzk3NC4xNzg4NjAxMzAz*_ga_8Z4RV13R5J*czE3ODg2MDEzMDMkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODg2MDEzMDMkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_65FL79Y113*czE3ODg2MDEzMDMkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODg2MDEzMDMkajYwJGwwJGgw
Ga. Dept. of Audits & Accounts: Brantley County Board of Education
ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 5 -- The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts issued the following report entitled "Brantley County Board of Education."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Independent Auditor's Report
The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia
Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia
Members of the State Board of Education
and
Dr. Walker Todd, Superintendent and Members of the
Brantley County Board of Education
Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements
Opinions
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, each major ... Show Full Article ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 5 -- The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts issued the following report entitled "Brantley County Board of Education." Here are excerpts: * * * Independent Auditor's Report The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia Members of the State Board of Education and Dr. Walker Todd, Superintendent and Members of the Brantley County Board of Education Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements Opinions We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, each majorfund, and fiduciary activities of the Brantley County Board of Education (School District) as of and for the year ended June 30, 2025, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the School District's basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, each major fund, and fiduciary activities of the School District as of June 30, 2025, and the respective changes in financial position for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the
Comptroller General of the United States. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report.
We are required to be independent of the School District and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we
have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.
Emphasis of Matter
As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, in 2025, the School District adopted new accounting guidance, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences. The School District
restated beginning balances for the effect of GASB Statement No. 101. Our opinions are not modified with respect to this matter.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation,
and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the School District's ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months beyond the financial statement date, including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinions.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards will always detect a
material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions,
misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards, we:
* Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
* Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
* Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the School District's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
* Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.
* Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the School District's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.
Required Supplementary Information
Management has omitted the Management's Discussion and Analysis that accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require to be presented to supplement the basic financial statements.
Such missing information, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board who considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. Our opinions on the basic financial statements are not affected by this missing information.
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that the required supplementary information listed in the table of contents be presented to supplement the basic financial statements. Such
information is the responsibility of management and, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, who considers it to be an essential part of financial
reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. We have applied certain limited procedures to the required supplementary information in accordance with GAAS,
which consisted of inquiries of management about the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management's responses to our inquiries, the basic financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic financial statements. We do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance.
Supplementary Information
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming opinions on the financial statements that collectively comprise the School District's basic financial statements. The accompanying supplementary information, as listed in the table of contents, is presented for the purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is presented for purposes of additional
analysis as required by Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and is also not a required part of the
basic financial statements.
The supplementary information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements. Such information has
been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements or to the basic financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with GAAS. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the basic financial statements as a whole.
Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated August 21, 2026 on our consideration of the School District's internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of the School
District's internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the School District's internal control over financial reporting and compliance.
A copy of this report has been filed as a permanent record and made available to the press of the State, as provided for by Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 50-6-24.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg S. Griffin
State Auditor
August 21, 2026
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/34291?_gl=1*el9wdg*_ga*MjEyMDA0Nzk3NC4xNzg4NjAxMzAz*_ga_8Z4RV13R5J*czE3ODg2MDQyMjgkbzIkZzEkdDE3ODg2MDYwNDMkajU4JGwwJGgw*_ga_65FL79Y113*czE3ODg2MDQyMjgkbzIkZzEkdDE3ODg2MDYwNDMkajU4JGwwJGgw
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Independent Auditor's Report
The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia
Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia
Members of the State Board of Education
and
Dr. Walker Todd, Superintendent and Members of the
Brantley County Board of Education
Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements
Opinions
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, each major ... Show Full Article ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 5 -- The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts issued the following report entitled "Brantley County Board of Education." Here are excerpts: * * * Independent Auditor's Report The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia Members of the State Board of Education and Dr. Walker Todd, Superintendent and Members of the Brantley County Board of Education Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements Opinions We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, each majorfund, and fiduciary activities of the Brantley County Board of Education (School District) as of and for the year ended June 30, 2025, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the School District's basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, each major fund, and fiduciary activities of the School District as of June 30, 2025, and the respective changes in financial position for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the
Comptroller General of the United States. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report.
We are required to be independent of the School District and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we
have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.
Emphasis of Matter
As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, in 2025, the School District adopted new accounting guidance, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences. The School District
restated beginning balances for the effect of GASB Statement No. 101. Our opinions are not modified with respect to this matter.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation,
and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the School District's ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months beyond the financial statement date, including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinions.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards will always detect a
material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions,
misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards, we:
* Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
* Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
* Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the School District's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
* Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.
* Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the School District's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.
Required Supplementary Information
Management has omitted the Management's Discussion and Analysis that accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require to be presented to supplement the basic financial statements.
Such missing information, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board who considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. Our opinions on the basic financial statements are not affected by this missing information.
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that the required supplementary information listed in the table of contents be presented to supplement the basic financial statements. Such
information is the responsibility of management and, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, who considers it to be an essential part of financial
reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. We have applied certain limited procedures to the required supplementary information in accordance with GAAS,
which consisted of inquiries of management about the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management's responses to our inquiries, the basic financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic financial statements. We do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance.
Supplementary Information
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming opinions on the financial statements that collectively comprise the School District's basic financial statements. The accompanying supplementary information, as listed in the table of contents, is presented for the purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is presented for purposes of additional
analysis as required by Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and is also not a required part of the
basic financial statements.
The supplementary information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements. Such information has
been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements or to the basic financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with GAAS. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the basic financial statements as a whole.
Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated August 21, 2026 on our consideration of the School District's internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of the School
District's internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the School District's internal control over financial reporting and compliance.
A copy of this report has been filed as a permanent record and made available to the press of the State, as provided for by Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 50-6-24.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg S. Griffin
State Auditor
August 21, 2026
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/34291?_gl=1*el9wdg*_ga*MjEyMDA0Nzk3NC4xNzg4NjAxMzAz*_ga_8Z4RV13R5J*czE3ODg2MDQyMjgkbzIkZzEkdDE3ODg2MDYwNDMkajU4JGwwJGgw*_ga_65FL79Y113*czE3ODg2MDQyMjgkbzIkZzEkdDE3ODg2MDYwNDMkajU4JGwwJGgw