The Sampson County Board of Education was awarded the Certificate of Excellence for the district’s annual comprehensive financial report for the 2025 fiscal year.
Sampson County Schools has been applying for the award since 2018. The district has received the Certificate of Excellence every year since. The award, school administrators said, reflects Sampson County Schools’ commitment to transparency and high-quality financial reporting.
The certificate was officially presented to Cyndi Mesimer, chief finance officer for Sampson County Schools, by representatives of the Association of School Business Officials International on July 30.
Mesimer has been the CFO of the school system for five years. In 2017, she began as the assistant finance officer there. Mesimer grew up in Sampson County and attended Midway Elementary School, Midway High School, Lakewood High School and Sampson Community College.
A large number of school districts across the state apply for the finance certificate each year, Mesimer remarked Monday morning.
She attributed part of Sampson County Schools’ financial success over the years to a group of financial officers across the state who offer one another help throughout each year.
“Any time you have a question about something, you will not find a better group of people who are willing to help you find out, or direct you to someone who knows, who’s had that same specific situation; it’s a great group.”
Mesimer also mentioned that the school system is preparing to do its final audit for 2026 in October. Then, the district will file its financial records with the Association of School Business Officials International in December for the 2026 fiscal year.
“We try really hard to get these every year,” Mesimer reflected on the process and the honor.
“It’s a lot of work that goes into it. It’s our financial statements, and then a lot of other demographic information, information about the county. … It takes a little bit, but we’re proud of it.”
She added that she would be “devastated” if the district didn’t receive the certificate.
“We (Sampson County Schools) have a great finance team. We work really well together. The job is hard, but it’s very rewarding,” Mesimer emphasized.