FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01,
22619-046-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
Criteria: 2 CFR section 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 awards 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:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and earmarking compliance
requirement.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the earmarking requirements. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative).
During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the
federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department
of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and
providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School
Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that
the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member
school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures
were appropriately identified and reported.
The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be
verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school
budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award
was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01
grant awards.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure
non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on
expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these
expenditures should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01,
22619-046-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
Criteria: 2 CFR section 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 awards 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:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and earmarking compliance
requirement.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the earmarking requirements. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative).
During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the
federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department
of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and
providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School
Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that
the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member
school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures
were appropriately identified and reported.
The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be
verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school
budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award
was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01
grant awards.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure
non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on
expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these
expenditures should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01,
22619-046-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
Criteria: 2 CFR section 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 awards 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:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and earmarking compliance
requirement.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the earmarking requirements. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative).
During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the
federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department
of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and
providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School
Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that
the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member
school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures
were appropriately identified and reported.
The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be
verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school
budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award
was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01
grant awards.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure
non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on
expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these
expenditures should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01,
22619-046-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness
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 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and suspension and debarment
compliance requirement.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements.
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative).
During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the
federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department
of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and
providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School
Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to
ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements.
Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors
under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions"
include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement
transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a
certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.
Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which
it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the
Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure
the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve
a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment
requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded
$25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered
transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment
requirements.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in
fiscal year 23.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure
vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered
transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01,
22619-046-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness
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 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and suspension and debarment
compliance requirement.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements.
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative).
During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the
federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department
of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and
providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School
Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to
ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements.
Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors
under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions"
include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement
transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a
certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.
Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which
it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the
Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure
the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve
a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment
requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded
$25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered
transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment
requirements.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in
fiscal year 23.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure
vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered
transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01,
22619-046-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness
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 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and suspension and debarment
compliance requirement.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements.
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative).
During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the
federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department
of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and
providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School
Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to
ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements.
Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors
under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions"
include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement
transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a
certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.
Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which
it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the
Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure
the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve
a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment
requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded
$25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered
transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment
requirements.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in
fiscal year 23.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure
vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered
transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U200013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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 Financial reporting . . . ."
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."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the reporting compliance
requirements.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. The second person reviewing the information
and inputting the information to IDOE incorrectly inputted the information as $0 for each grant. Finding 2023-005
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation was required to submit one Annual Data Report per ESSER grant for
each year in the audit period to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to meet federal reporting
requirements for the ESSER grant awards. There was no documented review by someone other than the
preparer of the Annual Data Report to ensure the information submitted was complete and accurate for the
reports submitted in the first year under audit.
Additionally, the amounts reported on each ESSER report for the second year under audit did not agree to
the underlying disbursement detail. We noted the amounts reported as expended ($0) on the report did not
agree to the amounts expended per the underlying expenditure records, $7,151,043 for the report time
period. The errors were due to the School Corporation not inputting the information correctly from the
system reports that were reviewed.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented
review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U200013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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 Financial reporting . . . ."
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."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the reporting compliance
requirements.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. The second person reviewing the information
and inputting the information to IDOE incorrectly inputted the information as $0 for each grant. Finding 2023-005
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation was required to submit one Annual Data Report per ESSER grant for
each year in the audit period to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to meet federal reporting
requirements for the ESSER grant awards. There was no documented review by someone other than the
preparer of the Annual Data Report to ensure the information submitted was complete and accurate for the
reports submitted in the first year under audit.
Additionally, the amounts reported on each ESSER report for the second year under audit did not agree to
the underlying disbursement detail. We noted the amounts reported as expended ($0) on the report did not
agree to the amounts expended per the underlying expenditure records, $7,151,043 for the report time
period. The errors were due to the School Corporation not inputting the information correctly from the
system reports that were reviewed.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented
review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U200013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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 Financial reporting . . . ."
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."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the reporting compliance
requirements.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. The second person reviewing the information
and inputting the information to IDOE incorrectly inputted the information as $0 for each grant. Finding 2023-005
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation was required to submit one Annual Data Report per ESSER grant for
each year in the audit period to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to meet federal reporting
requirements for the ESSER grant awards. There was no documented review by someone other than the
preparer of the Annual Data Report to ensure the information submitted was complete and accurate for the
reports submitted in the first year under audit.
Additionally, the amounts reported on each ESSER report for the second year under audit did not agree to
the underlying disbursement detail. We noted the amounts reported as expended ($0) on the report did not
agree to the amounts expended per the underlying expenditure records, $7,151,043 for the report time
period. The errors were due to the School Corporation not inputting the information correctly from the
system reports that were reviewed.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented
review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2023-006
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U200013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part:
"Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment),
whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum,
meet the following requirements: FINDING 2023-006 (Continued)
(1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other
identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the
acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the
Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and
any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property.
(2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records
at least once every two years.
(3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft
of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated.
(4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property
Management Requirements compliance requirements.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirements listed above.
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: For 1 of the 3 equipment purchases sampled, the School Corporation did not add the equipment
purchase to the capital asset listing. Additionally, we noted no inventory was performed during the audit
period. The finding is isolated to the ESSER II (84.425D) and ESSER III (84.425U) grants.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of
internal controls related to the grant agreement and Equipment and Real Property Management compliance
requirements.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2023-006
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U200013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part:
"Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment),
whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum,
meet the following requirements: FINDING 2023-006 (Continued)
(1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other
identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the
acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the
Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and
any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property.
(2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records
at least once every two years.
(3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft
of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated.
(4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property
Management Requirements compliance requirements.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirements listed above.
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: For 1 of the 3 equipment purchases sampled, the School Corporation did not add the equipment
purchase to the capital asset listing. Additionally, we noted no inventory was performed during the audit
period. The finding is isolated to the ESSER II (84.425D) and ESSER III (84.425U) grants.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of
internal controls related to the grant agreement and Equipment and Real Property Management compliance
requirements.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01,
22619-046-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
Criteria: 2 CFR section 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 awards 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:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and earmarking compliance
requirement.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the earmarking requirements. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative).
During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the
federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department
of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and
providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School
Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that
the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member
school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures
were appropriately identified and reported.
The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be
verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school
budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award
was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01
grant awards.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure
non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on
expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these
expenditures should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01,
22619-046-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
Criteria: 2 CFR section 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 awards 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:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and earmarking compliance
requirement.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the earmarking requirements. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative).
During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the
federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department
of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and
providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School
Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that
the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member
school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures
were appropriately identified and reported.
The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be
verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school
budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award
was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01
grant awards.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure
non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on
expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these
expenditures should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01,
22619-046-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
Criteria: 2 CFR section 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 awards 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:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and earmarking compliance
requirement.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the earmarking requirements. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative).
During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the
federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department
of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and
providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School
Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that
the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member
school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures
were appropriately identified and reported.
The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be
verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school
budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award
was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01
grant awards.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure
non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on
expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these
expenditures should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01,
22619-046-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness
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 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and suspension and debarment
compliance requirement.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements.
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative).
During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the
federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department
of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and
providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School
Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to
ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements.
Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors
under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions"
include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement
transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a
certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.
Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which
it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the
Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure
the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve
a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment
requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded
$25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered
transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment
requirements.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in
fiscal year 23.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure
vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered
transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01,
22619-046-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness
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 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and suspension and debarment
compliance requirement.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements.
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative).
During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the
federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department
of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and
providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School
Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to
ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements.
Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors
under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions"
include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement
transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a
certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.
Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which
it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the
Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure
the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve
a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment
requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded
$25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered
transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment
requirements.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in
fiscal year 23.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure
vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered
transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01,
22619-046-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness
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 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and suspension and debarment
compliance requirement.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements.
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative).
During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the
federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department
of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and
providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School
Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to
ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements.
Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors
under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions"
include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement
transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a
certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.
Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which
it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the
Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure
the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve
a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment
requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded
$25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered
transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment
requirements.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in
fiscal year 23.
Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure
vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered
transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U200013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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 Financial reporting . . . ."
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."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the reporting compliance
requirements.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. The second person reviewing the information
and inputting the information to IDOE incorrectly inputted the information as $0 for each grant. Finding 2023-005
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation was required to submit one Annual Data Report per ESSER grant for
each year in the audit period to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to meet federal reporting
requirements for the ESSER grant awards. There was no documented review by someone other than the
preparer of the Annual Data Report to ensure the information submitted was complete and accurate for the
reports submitted in the first year under audit.
Additionally, the amounts reported on each ESSER report for the second year under audit did not agree to
the underlying disbursement detail. We noted the amounts reported as expended ($0) on the report did not
agree to the amounts expended per the underlying expenditure records, $7,151,043 for the report time
period. The errors were due to the School Corporation not inputting the information correctly from the
system reports that were reviewed.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented
review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U200013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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 Financial reporting . . . ."
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."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the reporting compliance
requirements.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. The second person reviewing the information
and inputting the information to IDOE incorrectly inputted the information as $0 for each grant. Finding 2023-005
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation was required to submit one Annual Data Report per ESSER grant for
each year in the audit period to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to meet federal reporting
requirements for the ESSER grant awards. There was no documented review by someone other than the
preparer of the Annual Data Report to ensure the information submitted was complete and accurate for the
reports submitted in the first year under audit.
Additionally, the amounts reported on each ESSER report for the second year under audit did not agree to
the underlying disbursement detail. We noted the amounts reported as expended ($0) on the report did not
agree to the amounts expended per the underlying expenditure records, $7,151,043 for the report time
period. The errors were due to the School Corporation not inputting the information correctly from the
system reports that were reviewed.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented
review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U200013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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 Financial reporting . . . ."
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."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the reporting compliance
requirements.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. The second person reviewing the information
and inputting the information to IDOE incorrectly inputted the information as $0 for each grant. Finding 2023-005
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation was required to submit one Annual Data Report per ESSER grant for
each year in the audit period to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to meet federal reporting
requirements for the ESSER grant awards. There was no documented review by someone other than the
preparer of the Annual Data Report to ensure the information submitted was complete and accurate for the
reports submitted in the first year under audit.
Additionally, the amounts reported on each ESSER report for the second year under audit did not agree to
the underlying disbursement detail. We noted the amounts reported as expended ($0) on the report did not
agree to the amounts expended per the underlying expenditure records, $7,151,043 for the report time
period. The errors were due to the School Corporation not inputting the information correctly from the
system reports that were reviewed.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented
review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2023-006
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U200013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part:
"Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment),
whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum,
meet the following requirements: FINDING 2023-006 (Continued)
(1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other
identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the
acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the
Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and
any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property.
(2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records
at least once every two years.
(3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft
of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated.
(4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property
Management Requirements compliance requirements.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirements listed above.
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: For 1 of the 3 equipment purchases sampled, the School Corporation did not add the equipment
purchase to the capital asset listing. Additionally, we noted no inventory was performed during the audit
period. The finding is isolated to the ESSER II (84.425D) and ESSER III (84.425U) grants.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of
internal controls related to the grant agreement and Equipment and Real Property Management compliance
requirements.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2023-006
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U200013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part:
"Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment),
whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum,
meet the following requirements: FINDING 2023-006 (Continued)
(1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other
identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the
acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the
Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and
any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property.
(2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records
at least once every two years.
(3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft
of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated.
(4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ."
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property
Management Requirements compliance requirements.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirements listed above.
Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of
noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties
within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements
and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight,
reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: For 1 of the 3 equipment purchases sampled, the School Corporation did not add the equipment
purchase to the capital asset listing. Additionally, we noted no inventory was performed during the audit
period. The finding is isolated to the ESSER II (84.425D) and ESSER III (84.425U) grants.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of
internal controls related to the grant agreement and Equipment and Real Property Management compliance
requirements.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.