FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be
submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and
expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were to be prepared
and submitted by the School Principal and reviewed by the Executive Business Director; however, no
evidence of this review or oversight process could be provided. As such, the annual data reports were
prepared and submitted to the IDOE without an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and
correct, errors.
In addition, five of six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School
Corporation's records. The following errors were identified:
The ESSER I, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of October 1, 2020
through June 30, 2021, reported $534,761 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures
for the applicable reporting period totaled $478,883.
The ESSER I, Year 3 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $243,814.67.
The ESSER II, Year 1 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2020 to
June 30, 2021, reported $733 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $322,539.
The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $276,642.
The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $1,315,208.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, reports were not accurately submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Costs Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund provided funding to
States and school districts to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, help safely reopen and
sustain the safe operation of schools, and to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation's
students. States were required to subgrant a portion of their ESSER allocation to local educational
agencies (LEA). Prior to LEAs receiving their respective subgrants, LEAs were required to complete an
application for ESSER funding, which was submitted to the Indiana Department of Education, the passthrough
entity for approval. The application included a district level budget identifying how the LEA intended
to spend program funds. Per the School Corporation's approved application, program funding was
budgeted for salaries and respective benefits, counseling services, and supplies.
A sample of 40 payroll claims charged to the ESSER program for which reimbursement was
received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance
with the applicable cost principles. Of the 40 payroll claims tested, 21 payroll claims were determined to
be for payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund. For all 21 payroll adjustments, totaling $1,509,248, there
was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally paid, to whom
the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The total amount of
the 21 payroll claims/adjustments, $1,509,248, was determined to be questioned costs.
Due to the lack of documentation for the payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund, all adjustments
were reviewed. A review of the additional adjustments resulted in an additional $114,353 of payroll charges
in which there was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally
paid, to whom the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The
$114,353 was determined to be questioned costs.
In addition, the School Corporation requested a total reimbursement of $3,342,940 in payroll costs
from its ESSER allocation during the audit period. However, expenditures per the ledger for payroll and
benefits totaled $2,995,014. As a result, the School Corporation over requested and received $347,926 for
payroll expenditures that cannot be substantiated. The $347,926 was determined to be questioned costs.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance
was isolated to the payroll adjustments and additional payroll noted above.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria
in order to be allowable under Federal awards:
(a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be
allocable thereto under these principles.
(b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal
award as to types or amount of cost items. . . .
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
34 CFR 76.700 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall comply with § 76.500, the State plan,
applicable statutes, regulations, and approved applications, and shall use Federal funds in accordance with
those statutes, regulations, plan, and applications."
Indiana Department of Education ESSER III Application Walk Through states in part:
". . . Please budget the appropriate items in the district budget. Be sure to include all requested
items or activities in the budgeted total and include sufficient detail in the narrative boxes below.
Be sure to provide sufficient detail for IDOE to determine the reasonableness, allowability, and
necessity of the proposed activity. You may include additional documentation in the
Attachments section of the Summary Page . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, costs were reimbursed that did not have adequate documentation to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirement.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
Known questioned costs of $1,971,527 were identified as detailed in the Condition and Context.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure costs and adjustments are adequately
documented.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be
submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and
expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were to be prepared
and submitted by the School Principal and reviewed by the Executive Business Director; however, no
evidence of this review or oversight process could be provided. As such, the annual data reports were
prepared and submitted to the IDOE without an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and
correct, errors.
In addition, five of six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School
Corporation's records. The following errors were identified:
The ESSER I, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of October 1, 2020
through June 30, 2021, reported $534,761 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures
for the applicable reporting period totaled $478,883.
The ESSER I, Year 3 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $243,814.67.
The ESSER II, Year 1 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2020 to
June 30, 2021, reported $733 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $322,539.
The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $276,642.
The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $1,315,208.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, reports were not accurately submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Costs Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund provided funding to
States and school districts to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, help safely reopen and
sustain the safe operation of schools, and to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation's
students. States were required to subgrant a portion of their ESSER allocation to local educational
agencies (LEA). Prior to LEAs receiving their respective subgrants, LEAs were required to complete an
application for ESSER funding, which was submitted to the Indiana Department of Education, the passthrough
entity for approval. The application included a district level budget identifying how the LEA intended
to spend program funds. Per the School Corporation's approved application, program funding was
budgeted for salaries and respective benefits, counseling services, and supplies.
A sample of 40 payroll claims charged to the ESSER program for which reimbursement was
received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance
with the applicable cost principles. Of the 40 payroll claims tested, 21 payroll claims were determined to
be for payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund. For all 21 payroll adjustments, totaling $1,509,248, there
was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally paid, to whom
the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The total amount of
the 21 payroll claims/adjustments, $1,509,248, was determined to be questioned costs.
Due to the lack of documentation for the payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund, all adjustments
were reviewed. A review of the additional adjustments resulted in an additional $114,353 of payroll charges
in which there was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally
paid, to whom the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The
$114,353 was determined to be questioned costs.
In addition, the School Corporation requested a total reimbursement of $3,342,940 in payroll costs
from its ESSER allocation during the audit period. However, expenditures per the ledger for payroll and
benefits totaled $2,995,014. As a result, the School Corporation over requested and received $347,926 for
payroll expenditures that cannot be substantiated. The $347,926 was determined to be questioned costs.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance
was isolated to the payroll adjustments and additional payroll noted above.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria
in order to be allowable under Federal awards:
(a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be
allocable thereto under these principles.
(b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal
award as to types or amount of cost items. . . .
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
34 CFR 76.700 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall comply with § 76.500, the State plan,
applicable statutes, regulations, and approved applications, and shall use Federal funds in accordance with
those statutes, regulations, plan, and applications."
Indiana Department of Education ESSER III Application Walk Through states in part:
". . . Please budget the appropriate items in the district budget. Be sure to include all requested
items or activities in the budgeted total and include sufficient detail in the narrative boxes below.
Be sure to provide sufficient detail for IDOE to determine the reasonableness, allowability, and
necessity of the proposed activity. You may include additional documentation in the
Attachments section of the Summary Page . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, costs were reimbursed that did not have adequate documentation to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirement.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
Known questioned costs of $1,971,527 were identified as detailed in the Condition and Context.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure costs and adjustments are adequately
documented.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be
submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and
expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were to be prepared
and submitted by the School Principal and reviewed by the Executive Business Director; however, no
evidence of this review or oversight process could be provided. As such, the annual data reports were
prepared and submitted to the IDOE without an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and
correct, errors.
In addition, five of six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School
Corporation's records. The following errors were identified:
The ESSER I, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of October 1, 2020
through June 30, 2021, reported $534,761 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures
for the applicable reporting period totaled $478,883.
The ESSER I, Year 3 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $243,814.67.
The ESSER II, Year 1 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2020 to
June 30, 2021, reported $733 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $322,539.
The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $276,642.
The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $1,315,208.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, reports were not accurately submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Costs Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund provided funding to
States and school districts to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, help safely reopen and
sustain the safe operation of schools, and to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation's
students. States were required to subgrant a portion of their ESSER allocation to local educational
agencies (LEA). Prior to LEAs receiving their respective subgrants, LEAs were required to complete an
application for ESSER funding, which was submitted to the Indiana Department of Education, the passthrough
entity for approval. The application included a district level budget identifying how the LEA intended
to spend program funds. Per the School Corporation's approved application, program funding was
budgeted for salaries and respective benefits, counseling services, and supplies.
A sample of 40 payroll claims charged to the ESSER program for which reimbursement was
received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance
with the applicable cost principles. Of the 40 payroll claims tested, 21 payroll claims were determined to
be for payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund. For all 21 payroll adjustments, totaling $1,509,248, there
was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally paid, to whom
the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The total amount of
the 21 payroll claims/adjustments, $1,509,248, was determined to be questioned costs.
Due to the lack of documentation for the payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund, all adjustments
were reviewed. A review of the additional adjustments resulted in an additional $114,353 of payroll charges
in which there was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally
paid, to whom the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The
$114,353 was determined to be questioned costs.
In addition, the School Corporation requested a total reimbursement of $3,342,940 in payroll costs
from its ESSER allocation during the audit period. However, expenditures per the ledger for payroll and
benefits totaled $2,995,014. As a result, the School Corporation over requested and received $347,926 for
payroll expenditures that cannot be substantiated. The $347,926 was determined to be questioned costs.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance
was isolated to the payroll adjustments and additional payroll noted above.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria
in order to be allowable under Federal awards:
(a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be
allocable thereto under these principles.
(b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal
award as to types or amount of cost items. . . .
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
34 CFR 76.700 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall comply with § 76.500, the State plan,
applicable statutes, regulations, and approved applications, and shall use Federal funds in accordance with
those statutes, regulations, plan, and applications."
Indiana Department of Education ESSER III Application Walk Through states in part:
". . . Please budget the appropriate items in the district budget. Be sure to include all requested
items or activities in the budgeted total and include sufficient detail in the narrative boxes below.
Be sure to provide sufficient detail for IDOE to determine the reasonableness, allowability, and
necessity of the proposed activity. You may include additional documentation in the
Attachments section of the Summary Page . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, costs were reimbursed that did not have adequate documentation to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirement.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
Known questioned costs of $1,971,527 were identified as detailed in the Condition and Context.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure costs and adjustments are adequately
documented.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be
submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and
expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were to be prepared
and submitted by the School Principal and reviewed by the Executive Business Director; however, no
evidence of this review or oversight process could be provided. As such, the annual data reports were
prepared and submitted to the IDOE without an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and
correct, errors.
In addition, five of six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School
Corporation's records. The following errors were identified:
The ESSER I, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of October 1, 2020
through June 30, 2021, reported $534,761 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures
for the applicable reporting period totaled $478,883.
The ESSER I, Year 3 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $243,814.67.
The ESSER II, Year 1 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2020 to
June 30, 2021, reported $733 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $322,539.
The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $276,642.
The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $1,315,208.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, reports were not accurately submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Costs Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund provided funding to
States and school districts to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, help safely reopen and
sustain the safe operation of schools, and to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation's
students. States were required to subgrant a portion of their ESSER allocation to local educational
agencies (LEA). Prior to LEAs receiving their respective subgrants, LEAs were required to complete an
application for ESSER funding, which was submitted to the Indiana Department of Education, the passthrough
entity for approval. The application included a district level budget identifying how the LEA intended
to spend program funds. Per the School Corporation's approved application, program funding was
budgeted for salaries and respective benefits, counseling services, and supplies.
A sample of 40 payroll claims charged to the ESSER program for which reimbursement was
received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance
with the applicable cost principles. Of the 40 payroll claims tested, 21 payroll claims were determined to
be for payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund. For all 21 payroll adjustments, totaling $1,509,248, there
was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally paid, to whom
the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The total amount of
the 21 payroll claims/adjustments, $1,509,248, was determined to be questioned costs.
Due to the lack of documentation for the payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund, all adjustments
were reviewed. A review of the additional adjustments resulted in an additional $114,353 of payroll charges
in which there was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally
paid, to whom the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The
$114,353 was determined to be questioned costs.
In addition, the School Corporation requested a total reimbursement of $3,342,940 in payroll costs
from its ESSER allocation during the audit period. However, expenditures per the ledger for payroll and
benefits totaled $2,995,014. As a result, the School Corporation over requested and received $347,926 for
payroll expenditures that cannot be substantiated. The $347,926 was determined to be questioned costs.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance
was isolated to the payroll adjustments and additional payroll noted above.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria
in order to be allowable under Federal awards:
(a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be
allocable thereto under these principles.
(b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal
award as to types or amount of cost items. . . .
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
34 CFR 76.700 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall comply with § 76.500, the State plan,
applicable statutes, regulations, and approved applications, and shall use Federal funds in accordance with
those statutes, regulations, plan, and applications."
Indiana Department of Education ESSER III Application Walk Through states in part:
". . . Please budget the appropriate items in the district budget. Be sure to include all requested
items or activities in the budgeted total and include sufficient detail in the narrative boxes below.
Be sure to provide sufficient detail for IDOE to determine the reasonableness, allowability, and
necessity of the proposed activity. You may include additional documentation in the
Attachments section of the Summary Page . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, costs were reimbursed that did not have adequate documentation to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirement.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
Known questioned costs of $1,971,527 were identified as detailed in the Condition and Context.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure costs and adjustments are adequately
documented.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be
submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and
expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were to be prepared
and submitted by the School Principal and reviewed by the Executive Business Director; however, no
evidence of this review or oversight process could be provided. As such, the annual data reports were
prepared and submitted to the IDOE without an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and
correct, errors.
In addition, five of six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School
Corporation's records. The following errors were identified:
The ESSER I, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of October 1, 2020
through June 30, 2021, reported $534,761 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures
for the applicable reporting period totaled $478,883.
The ESSER I, Year 3 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $243,814.67.
The ESSER II, Year 1 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2020 to
June 30, 2021, reported $733 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $322,539.
The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $276,642.
The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $1,315,208.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, reports were not accurately submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food
Service Program for Children, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022, FY 2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Condition and Context
Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the
applicable cost principles.
Payroll benefits were entered by the payroll department and reviewed by the Payroll Coordinator
to ensure proper payment. However, this review was not completed on a detailed level by employee to
ensure the payroll withholdings, deductions, and benefits retained from employees' wages were for
allowable costs and made in conformance with applicable cost principles.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation,
which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented
internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect
the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and
procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be
submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and
expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were to be prepared
and submitted by the School Principal and reviewed by the Executive Business Director; however, no
evidence of this review or oversight process could be provided. As such, the annual data reports were
prepared and submitted to the IDOE without an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and
correct, errors.
In addition, five of six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School
Corporation's records. The following errors were identified:
The ESSER I, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of October 1, 2020
through June 30, 2021, reported $534,761 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures
for the applicable reporting period totaled $478,883.
The ESSER I, Year 3 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $243,814.67.
The ESSER II, Year 1 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2020 to
June 30, 2021, reported $733 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $322,539.
The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $276,642.
The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $1,315,208.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, reports were not accurately submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Costs Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund provided funding to
States and school districts to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, help safely reopen and
sustain the safe operation of schools, and to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation's
students. States were required to subgrant a portion of their ESSER allocation to local educational
agencies (LEA). Prior to LEAs receiving their respective subgrants, LEAs were required to complete an
application for ESSER funding, which was submitted to the Indiana Department of Education, the passthrough
entity for approval. The application included a district level budget identifying how the LEA intended
to spend program funds. Per the School Corporation's approved application, program funding was
budgeted for salaries and respective benefits, counseling services, and supplies.
A sample of 40 payroll claims charged to the ESSER program for which reimbursement was
received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance
with the applicable cost principles. Of the 40 payroll claims tested, 21 payroll claims were determined to
be for payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund. For all 21 payroll adjustments, totaling $1,509,248, there
was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally paid, to whom
the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The total amount of
the 21 payroll claims/adjustments, $1,509,248, was determined to be questioned costs.
Due to the lack of documentation for the payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund, all adjustments
were reviewed. A review of the additional adjustments resulted in an additional $114,353 of payroll charges
in which there was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally
paid, to whom the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The
$114,353 was determined to be questioned costs.
In addition, the School Corporation requested a total reimbursement of $3,342,940 in payroll costs
from its ESSER allocation during the audit period. However, expenditures per the ledger for payroll and
benefits totaled $2,995,014. As a result, the School Corporation over requested and received $347,926 for
payroll expenditures that cannot be substantiated. The $347,926 was determined to be questioned costs.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance
was isolated to the payroll adjustments and additional payroll noted above.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria
in order to be allowable under Federal awards:
(a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be
allocable thereto under these principles.
(b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal
award as to types or amount of cost items. . . .
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
34 CFR 76.700 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall comply with § 76.500, the State plan,
applicable statutes, regulations, and approved applications, and shall use Federal funds in accordance with
those statutes, regulations, plan, and applications."
Indiana Department of Education ESSER III Application Walk Through states in part:
". . . Please budget the appropriate items in the district budget. Be sure to include all requested
items or activities in the budgeted total and include sufficient detail in the narrative boxes below.
Be sure to provide sufficient detail for IDOE to determine the reasonableness, allowability, and
necessity of the proposed activity. You may include additional documentation in the
Attachments section of the Summary Page . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, costs were reimbursed that did not have adequate documentation to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirement.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
Known questioned costs of $1,971,527 were identified as detailed in the Condition and Context.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure costs and adjustments are adequately
documented.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be
submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and
expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were to be prepared
and submitted by the School Principal and reviewed by the Executive Business Director; however, no
evidence of this review or oversight process could be provided. As such, the annual data reports were
prepared and submitted to the IDOE without an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and
correct, errors.
In addition, five of six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School
Corporation's records. The following errors were identified:
The ESSER I, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of October 1, 2020
through June 30, 2021, reported $534,761 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures
for the applicable reporting period totaled $478,883.
The ESSER I, Year 3 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $243,814.67.
The ESSER II, Year 1 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2020 to
June 30, 2021, reported $733 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $322,539.
The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $276,642.
The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $1,315,208.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, reports were not accurately submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Costs Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund provided funding to
States and school districts to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, help safely reopen and
sustain the safe operation of schools, and to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation's
students. States were required to subgrant a portion of their ESSER allocation to local educational
agencies (LEA). Prior to LEAs receiving their respective subgrants, LEAs were required to complete an
application for ESSER funding, which was submitted to the Indiana Department of Education, the passthrough
entity for approval. The application included a district level budget identifying how the LEA intended
to spend program funds. Per the School Corporation's approved application, program funding was
budgeted for salaries and respective benefits, counseling services, and supplies.
A sample of 40 payroll claims charged to the ESSER program for which reimbursement was
received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance
with the applicable cost principles. Of the 40 payroll claims tested, 21 payroll claims were determined to
be for payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund. For all 21 payroll adjustments, totaling $1,509,248, there
was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally paid, to whom
the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The total amount of
the 21 payroll claims/adjustments, $1,509,248, was determined to be questioned costs.
Due to the lack of documentation for the payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund, all adjustments
were reviewed. A review of the additional adjustments resulted in an additional $114,353 of payroll charges
in which there was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally
paid, to whom the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The
$114,353 was determined to be questioned costs.
In addition, the School Corporation requested a total reimbursement of $3,342,940 in payroll costs
from its ESSER allocation during the audit period. However, expenditures per the ledger for payroll and
benefits totaled $2,995,014. As a result, the School Corporation over requested and received $347,926 for
payroll expenditures that cannot be substantiated. The $347,926 was determined to be questioned costs.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance
was isolated to the payroll adjustments and additional payroll noted above.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria
in order to be allowable under Federal awards:
(a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be
allocable thereto under these principles.
(b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal
award as to types or amount of cost items. . . .
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
34 CFR 76.700 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall comply with § 76.500, the State plan,
applicable statutes, regulations, and approved applications, and shall use Federal funds in accordance with
those statutes, regulations, plan, and applications."
Indiana Department of Education ESSER III Application Walk Through states in part:
". . . Please budget the appropriate items in the district budget. Be sure to include all requested
items or activities in the budgeted total and include sufficient detail in the narrative boxes below.
Be sure to provide sufficient detail for IDOE to determine the reasonableness, allowability, and
necessity of the proposed activity. You may include additional documentation in the
Attachments section of the Summary Page . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, costs were reimbursed that did not have adequate documentation to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirement.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
Known questioned costs of $1,971,527 were identified as detailed in the Condition and Context.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure costs and adjustments are adequately
documented.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be
submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and
expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were to be prepared
and submitted by the School Principal and reviewed by the Executive Business Director; however, no
evidence of this review or oversight process could be provided. As such, the annual data reports were
prepared and submitted to the IDOE without an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and
correct, errors.
In addition, five of six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School
Corporation's records. The following errors were identified:
The ESSER I, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of October 1, 2020
through June 30, 2021, reported $534,761 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures
for the applicable reporting period totaled $478,883.
The ESSER I, Year 3 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $243,814.67.
The ESSER II, Year 1 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2020 to
June 30, 2021, reported $733 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $322,539.
The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $276,642.
The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $1,315,208.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, reports were not accurately submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Costs Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund provided funding to
States and school districts to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, help safely reopen and
sustain the safe operation of schools, and to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation's
students. States were required to subgrant a portion of their ESSER allocation to local educational
agencies (LEA). Prior to LEAs receiving their respective subgrants, LEAs were required to complete an
application for ESSER funding, which was submitted to the Indiana Department of Education, the passthrough
entity for approval. The application included a district level budget identifying how the LEA intended
to spend program funds. Per the School Corporation's approved application, program funding was
budgeted for salaries and respective benefits, counseling services, and supplies.
A sample of 40 payroll claims charged to the ESSER program for which reimbursement was
received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance
with the applicable cost principles. Of the 40 payroll claims tested, 21 payroll claims were determined to
be for payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund. For all 21 payroll adjustments, totaling $1,509,248, there
was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally paid, to whom
the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The total amount of
the 21 payroll claims/adjustments, $1,509,248, was determined to be questioned costs.
Due to the lack of documentation for the payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund, all adjustments
were reviewed. A review of the additional adjustments resulted in an additional $114,353 of payroll charges
in which there was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally
paid, to whom the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The
$114,353 was determined to be questioned costs.
In addition, the School Corporation requested a total reimbursement of $3,342,940 in payroll costs
from its ESSER allocation during the audit period. However, expenditures per the ledger for payroll and
benefits totaled $2,995,014. As a result, the School Corporation over requested and received $347,926 for
payroll expenditures that cannot be substantiated. The $347,926 was determined to be questioned costs.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance
was isolated to the payroll adjustments and additional payroll noted above.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria
in order to be allowable under Federal awards:
(a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be
allocable thereto under these principles.
(b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal
award as to types or amount of cost items. . . .
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
34 CFR 76.700 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall comply with § 76.500, the State plan,
applicable statutes, regulations, and approved applications, and shall use Federal funds in accordance with
those statutes, regulations, plan, and applications."
Indiana Department of Education ESSER III Application Walk Through states in part:
". . . Please budget the appropriate items in the district budget. Be sure to include all requested
items or activities in the budgeted total and include sufficient detail in the narrative boxes below.
Be sure to provide sufficient detail for IDOE to determine the reasonableness, allowability, and
necessity of the proposed activity. You may include additional documentation in the
Attachments section of the Summary Page . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, costs were reimbursed that did not have adequate documentation to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirement.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
Known questioned costs of $1,971,527 were identified as detailed in the Condition and Context.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure costs and adjustments are adequately
documented.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be
submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and
expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were to be prepared
and submitted by the School Principal and reviewed by the Executive Business Director; however, no
evidence of this review or oversight process could be provided. As such, the annual data reports were
prepared and submitted to the IDOE without an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and
correct, errors.
In addition, five of six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School
Corporation's records. The following errors were identified:
The ESSER I, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of October 1, 2020
through June 30, 2021, reported $534,761 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures
for the applicable reporting period totaled $478,883.
The ESSER I, Year 3 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $243,814.67.
The ESSER II, Year 1 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2020 to
June 30, 2021, reported $733 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $322,539.
The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $276,642.
The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $1,315,208.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, reports were not accurately submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Costs Principles
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund provided funding to
States and school districts to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, help safely reopen and
sustain the safe operation of schools, and to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation's
students. States were required to subgrant a portion of their ESSER allocation to local educational
agencies (LEA). Prior to LEAs receiving their respective subgrants, LEAs were required to complete an
application for ESSER funding, which was submitted to the Indiana Department of Education, the passthrough
entity for approval. The application included a district level budget identifying how the LEA intended
to spend program funds. Per the School Corporation's approved application, program funding was
budgeted for salaries and respective benefits, counseling services, and supplies.
A sample of 40 payroll claims charged to the ESSER program for which reimbursement was
received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance
with the applicable cost principles. Of the 40 payroll claims tested, 21 payroll claims were determined to
be for payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund. For all 21 payroll adjustments, totaling $1,509,248, there
was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally paid, to whom
the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The total amount of
the 21 payroll claims/adjustments, $1,509,248, was determined to be questioned costs.
Due to the lack of documentation for the payroll adjustments into the ESSER II fund, all adjustments
were reviewed. A review of the additional adjustments resulted in an additional $114,353 of payroll charges
in which there was not adequate supporting documentation to determine to where the payroll was originally
paid, to whom the original payment was made, and at what amount the original payment was made. The
$114,353 was determined to be questioned costs.
In addition, the School Corporation requested a total reimbursement of $3,342,940 in payroll costs
from its ESSER allocation during the audit period. However, expenditures per the ledger for payroll and
benefits totaled $2,995,014. As a result, the School Corporation over requested and received $347,926 for
payroll expenditures that cannot be substantiated. The $347,926 was determined to be questioned costs.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance
was isolated to the payroll adjustments and additional payroll noted above.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria
in order to be allowable under Federal awards:
(a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be
allocable thereto under these principles.
(b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal
award as to types or amount of cost items. . . .
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
34 CFR 76.700 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall comply with § 76.500, the State plan,
applicable statutes, regulations, and approved applications, and shall use Federal funds in accordance with
those statutes, regulations, plan, and applications."
Indiana Department of Education ESSER III Application Walk Through states in part:
". . . Please budget the appropriate items in the district budget. Be sure to include all requested
items or activities in the budgeted total and include sufficient detail in the narrative boxes below.
Be sure to provide sufficient detail for IDOE to determine the reasonableness, allowability, and
necessity of the proposed activity. You may include additional documentation in the
Attachments section of the Summary Page . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, costs were reimbursed that did not have adequate documentation to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirement.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
Known questioned costs of $1,971,527 were identified as detailed in the Condition and Context.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure costs and adjustments are adequately
documented.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be
submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and
expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were to be prepared
and submitted by the School Principal and reviewed by the Executive Business Director; however, no
evidence of this review or oversight process could be provided. As such, the annual data reports were
prepared and submitted to the IDOE without an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and
correct, errors.
In addition, five of six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School
Corporation's records. The following errors were identified:
The ESSER I, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of October 1, 2020
through June 30, 2021, reported $534,761 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures
for the applicable reporting period totaled $478,883.
The ESSER I, Year 3 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $243,814.67.
The ESSER II, Year 1 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2020 to
June 30, 2021, reported $733 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $322,539.
The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $276,642.
The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022, reported $0 in expenditures; however, actual expenditures for the
applicable reporting period totaled $1,315,208.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, reports were not accurately submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.