FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Number: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 2021-2022, 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement
for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at
$250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana
Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are
permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process
allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between
two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or
under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold,
but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without
soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price
or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The population for those procurements that fell within the small purchases range consisted of
four vendors with a total purchased amount from those vendors of $314,783. All four vendors
were selected for testing. The School Corporation provided documentation detailing the history
of procurement for two of the four vendors; however, a contract as required was not awarded
to these vendors. The total amount spent with the two vendors was $247,825.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the two vendors identified
above.
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients
are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or
otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods
and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are
expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs
exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the
covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying
that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred,
or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed that the Director of School Finance
verified applicable vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal
programs prior to entering into a covered transaction. However, the Director of School Finance
verified the vendors' status without a system of oversight or review to ensure compliance prior
to payment.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.318(a) states:
"The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent
with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the
acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-
Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement
standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327."
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part:
"(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be:
(1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and
(2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . .
(d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a
contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies
required. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions
or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are
followed. In addition, we recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls, including policies that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate
reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place prior to payment of covered transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Number: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 2021-2022, 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement
for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at
$250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana
Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are
permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process
allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between
two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or
under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold,
but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without
soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price
or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The population for those procurements that fell within the small purchases range consisted of
four vendors with a total purchased amount from those vendors of $314,783. All four vendors
were selected for testing. The School Corporation provided documentation detailing the history
of procurement for two of the four vendors; however, a contract as required was not awarded
to these vendors. The total amount spent with the two vendors was $247,825.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the two vendors identified
above.
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients
are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or
otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods
and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are
expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs
exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the
covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying
that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred,
or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed that the Director of School Finance
verified applicable vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal
programs prior to entering into a covered transaction. However, the Director of School Finance
verified the vendors' status without a system of oversight or review to ensure compliance prior
to payment.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.318(a) states:
"The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent
with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the
acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-
Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement
standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327."
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part:
"(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be:
(1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and
(2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . .
(d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a
contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies
required. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions
or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are
followed. In addition, we recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls, including policies that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate
reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place prior to payment of covered transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Number: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 2021-2022, 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement
for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at
$250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana
Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are
permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process
allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between
two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or
under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold,
but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without
soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price
or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The population for those procurements that fell within the small purchases range consisted of
four vendors with a total purchased amount from those vendors of $314,783. All four vendors
were selected for testing. The School Corporation provided documentation detailing the history
of procurement for two of the four vendors; however, a contract as required was not awarded
to these vendors. The total amount spent with the two vendors was $247,825.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the two vendors identified
above.
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients
are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or
otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods
and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are
expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs
exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the
covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying
that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred,
or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed that the Director of School Finance
verified applicable vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal
programs prior to entering into a covered transaction. However, the Director of School Finance
verified the vendors' status without a system of oversight or review to ensure compliance prior
to payment.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.318(a) states:
"The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent
with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the
acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-
Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement
standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327."
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part:
"(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be:
(1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and
(2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . .
(d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a
contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies
required. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions
or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are
followed. In addition, we recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls, including policies that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate
reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place prior to payment of covered transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Number: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 2021-2022, 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement
for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at
$250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana
Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are
permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process
allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between
two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or
under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold,
but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without
soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price
or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The population for those procurements that fell within the small purchases range consisted of
four vendors with a total purchased amount from those vendors of $314,783. All four vendors
were selected for testing. The School Corporation provided documentation detailing the history
of procurement for two of the four vendors; however, a contract as required was not awarded
to these vendors. The total amount spent with the two vendors was $247,825.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the two vendors identified
above.
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients
are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or
otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods
and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are
expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs
exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the
covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying
that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred,
or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed that the Director of School Finance
verified applicable vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal
programs prior to entering into a covered transaction. However, the Director of School Finance
verified the vendors' status without a system of oversight or review to ensure compliance prior
to payment.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.318(a) states:
"The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent
with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the
acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-
Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement
standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327."
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part:
"(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be:
(1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and
(2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . .
(d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a
contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies
required. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions
or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are
followed. In addition, we recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls, including policies that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate
reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place prior to payment of covered transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Number: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 2021-2022, 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement
for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at
$250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana
Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are
permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process
allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between
two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or
under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold,
but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without
soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price
or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The population for those procurements that fell within the small purchases range consisted of
four vendors with a total purchased amount from those vendors of $314,783. All four vendors
were selected for testing. The School Corporation provided documentation detailing the history
of procurement for two of the four vendors; however, a contract as required was not awarded
to these vendors. The total amount spent with the two vendors was $247,825.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the two vendors identified
above.
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients
are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or
otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods
and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are
expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs
exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the
covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying
that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred,
or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed that the Director of School Finance
verified applicable vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal
programs prior to entering into a covered transaction. However, the Director of School Finance
verified the vendors' status without a system of oversight or review to ensure compliance prior
to payment.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.318(a) states:
"The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent
with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the
acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-
Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement
standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327."
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part:
"(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be:
(1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and
(2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . .
(d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a
contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies
required. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions
or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are
followed. In addition, we recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls, including policies that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate
reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place prior to payment of covered transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility, Special Tests and Provisions - Verification
of Free and Reduced Price Applications (NSLP)
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Special Tests and Provisions - Verification
of Free and Reduced Price Applications (NSLP)
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report regarding Eligibility. The prior audit finding
number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the eligibility determination of a child receiving meals
and to the verification of free and reduced price applications.
Eligibility
Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of
"child," may receive meals under the applicable program. In the case of the National School
Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, children belonging to households meeting
nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at reduced price.
Children who have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals pay the
full price, set by the School Food Authority, for their meals. Children attending SFSP meal
service sites receive their meals at no charge. As a general rule, a child's eligibility for free or
reduced-price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the
submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family
income and family size. Local educational agencies, institutions, and sponsors then determine
eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility
guidelines. Additionally, a child may be direct certified. For a direct certification, annual
eligibility determinations are based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP,
FDPIR, the Head Start Program (ALN 93.600), or, under most circumstances, the TANF
program (ALN 93.558). A household may furnish documentation of its participation in one of
these programs; or the school, institution, or sponsor may obtain the information directly from
the state or local agency that administers these programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless,
and migrant children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct
certified households do not need to complete an application.
The system parameters, including income guidelines, were entered by the software vendor
without a documented review or oversight process by the School Corporation to ensure the
parameters entered were accurate.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
In addition, the Director of Food Service and the Student Data Coordinator were responsible
for processing on-line and paper application eligibility in the School Corporation's software
system (Harmony). The Director of School Finance was responsible for randomly reviewing
the eligibility status of on-line and paper applications; however, documentation of which
applications were reviewed was not maintained. Therefore, we could not determine if there
was an oversight, review, or approval process to ensure that eligibility determinations were
correct.
Finally, the Student Data Coordinator was responsible for generating and inputting the Direct
Certification Reports into the School Corporation's software system (Harmony). There was no
evidence of an oversight, review, or approval process to ensure that the Direct Certification
Reports were generated and input into the system.
Special Tests and Provisions - Verifications of Free and Reduced Price
Applications (NSLP) (Applies to National School Lunch Program only)
By November 15 of each school year, the Local Educational Agencies (LEA) must verify the
current free and reduced price eligibility of households selected from a sample of applications
that it has approved for free and reduced price meals, unless the LEA is otherwise exempt from
the verification requirement. The verification sample size is based on the total number of
approved applications on file on October 1.
If the LEA performs the verification function it must be in accordance with instructions provided
by the state agency. The LEA must follow up on children whose eligibility status has changed
as the result of verification activities to put them in the correct category.
The Student Data Coordinator was responsible for performing the required verification of three
free and reduced price applications. There was no documentation of an oversight, review, or
approval process to ensure that the verifications were properly performed.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
implemented by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility, Special Tests and Provisions - Verification
of Free and Reduced Price Applications (NSLP)
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Special Tests and Provisions - Verification
of Free and Reduced Price Applications (NSLP)
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report regarding Eligibility. The prior audit finding
number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the eligibility determination of a child receiving meals
and to the verification of free and reduced price applications.
Eligibility
Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of
"child," may receive meals under the applicable program. In the case of the National School
Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, children belonging to households meeting
nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at reduced price.
Children who have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals pay the
full price, set by the School Food Authority, for their meals. Children attending SFSP meal
service sites receive their meals at no charge. As a general rule, a child's eligibility for free or
reduced-price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the
submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family
income and family size. Local educational agencies, institutions, and sponsors then determine
eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility
guidelines. Additionally, a child may be direct certified. For a direct certification, annual
eligibility determinations are based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP,
FDPIR, the Head Start Program (ALN 93.600), or, under most circumstances, the TANF
program (ALN 93.558). A household may furnish documentation of its participation in one of
these programs; or the school, institution, or sponsor may obtain the information directly from
the state or local agency that administers these programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless,
and migrant children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct
certified households do not need to complete an application.
The system parameters, including income guidelines, were entered by the software vendor
without a documented review or oversight process by the School Corporation to ensure the
parameters entered were accurate.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
In addition, the Director of Food Service and the Student Data Coordinator were responsible
for processing on-line and paper application eligibility in the School Corporation's software
system (Harmony). The Director of School Finance was responsible for randomly reviewing
the eligibility status of on-line and paper applications; however, documentation of which
applications were reviewed was not maintained. Therefore, we could not determine if there
was an oversight, review, or approval process to ensure that eligibility determinations were
correct.
Finally, the Student Data Coordinator was responsible for generating and inputting the Direct
Certification Reports into the School Corporation's software system (Harmony). There was no
evidence of an oversight, review, or approval process to ensure that the Direct Certification
Reports were generated and input into the system.
Special Tests and Provisions - Verifications of Free and Reduced Price
Applications (NSLP) (Applies to National School Lunch Program only)
By November 15 of each school year, the Local Educational Agencies (LEA) must verify the
current free and reduced price eligibility of households selected from a sample of applications
that it has approved for free and reduced price meals, unless the LEA is otherwise exempt from
the verification requirement. The verification sample size is based on the total number of
approved applications on file on October 1.
If the LEA performs the verification function it must be in accordance with instructions provided
by the state agency. The LEA must follow up on children whose eligibility status has changed
as the result of verification activities to put them in the correct category.
The Student Data Coordinator was responsible for performing the required verification of three
free and reduced price applications. There was no documentation of an oversight, review, or
approval process to ensure that the verifications were properly performed.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
implemented by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of
Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to,
current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The reports were prepared by one employee
without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors.
Due to the lack of internal controls, the ESSER III, Year 1 Report had the following errors:
The key line items "Meeting Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Other Needs
(Excluding Mental Health Supports)(exclusive of amount expended toward required setaside
to address learning loss) - Supplies" and "Meeting Students' Academic, Social,
Emotional, and Other Needs (Excluding Mental Health Supports)(amount expended
toward required set-aside to address learning loss) - Supplies" reported an expended
amount of $285,111; however, the amount was only encumbered in the ledger, not actually
expended.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The lack of
noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III, Year 1 report.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following:
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with
program requirements."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the amount expended for two key line items was not supported by the ledger.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the
COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate and complete.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of
Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to,
current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The reports were prepared by one employee
without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors.
Due to the lack of internal controls, the ESSER III, Year 1 Report had the following errors:
The key line items "Meeting Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Other Needs
(Excluding Mental Health Supports)(exclusive of amount expended toward required setaside
to address learning loss) - Supplies" and "Meeting Students' Academic, Social,
Emotional, and Other Needs (Excluding Mental Health Supports)(amount expended
toward required set-aside to address learning loss) - Supplies" reported an expended
amount of $285,111; however, the amount was only encumbered in the ledger, not actually
expended.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The lack of
noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III, Year 1 report.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following:
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with
program requirements."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the amount expended for two key line items was not supported by the ledger.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the
COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate and complete.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of
Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to,
current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The reports were prepared by one employee
without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors.
Due to the lack of internal controls, the ESSER III, Year 1 Report had the following errors:
The key line items "Meeting Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Other Needs
(Excluding Mental Health Supports)(exclusive of amount expended toward required setaside
to address learning loss) - Supplies" and "Meeting Students' Academic, Social,
Emotional, and Other Needs (Excluding Mental Health Supports)(amount expended
toward required set-aside to address learning loss) - Supplies" reported an expended
amount of $285,111; however, the amount was only encumbered in the ledger, not actually
expended.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The lack of
noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III, Year 1 report.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following:
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with
program requirements."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the amount expended for two key line items was not supported by the ledger.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the
COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate and complete.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of
Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to,
current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The reports were prepared by one employee
without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors.
Due to the lack of internal controls, the ESSER III, Year 1 Report had the following errors:
The key line items "Meeting Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Other Needs
(Excluding Mental Health Supports)(exclusive of amount expended toward required setaside
to address learning loss) - Supplies" and "Meeting Students' Academic, Social,
Emotional, and Other Needs (Excluding Mental Health Supports)(amount expended
toward required set-aside to address learning loss) - Supplies" reported an expended
amount of $285,111; however, the amount was only encumbered in the ledger, not actually
expended.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The lack of
noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III, Year 1 report.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following:
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with
program requirements."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the amount expended for two key line items was not supported by the ledger.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the
COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate and complete.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of
Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to,
current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The reports were prepared by one employee
without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors.
Due to the lack of internal controls, the ESSER III, Year 1 Report had the following errors:
The key line items "Meeting Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Other Needs
(Excluding Mental Health Supports)(exclusive of amount expended toward required setaside
to address learning loss) - Supplies" and "Meeting Students' Academic, Social,
Emotional, and Other Needs (Excluding Mental Health Supports)(amount expended
toward required set-aside to address learning loss) - Supplies" reported an expended
amount of $285,111; however, the amount was only encumbered in the ledger, not actually
expended.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The lack of
noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III, Year 1 report.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following:
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with
program requirements."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the amount expended for two key line items was not supported by the ledger.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the
COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate and complete.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of
Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to,
current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The reports were prepared by one employee
without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors.
Due to the lack of internal controls, the ESSER III, Year 1 Report had the following errors:
The key line items "Meeting Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Other Needs
(Excluding Mental Health Supports)(exclusive of amount expended toward required setaside
to address learning loss) - Supplies" and "Meeting Students' Academic, Social,
Emotional, and Other Needs (Excluding Mental Health Supports)(amount expended
toward required set-aside to address learning loss) - Supplies" reported an expended
amount of $285,111; however, the amount was only encumbered in the ledger, not actually
expended.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The lack of
noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III, Year 1 report.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following:
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with
program requirements."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the amount expended for two key line items was not supported by the ledger.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the
COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate and complete.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Number: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 2021-2022, 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement
for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at
$250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana
Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are
permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process
allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between
two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or
under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold,
but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without
soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price
or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The population for those procurements that fell within the small purchases range consisted of
four vendors with a total purchased amount from those vendors of $314,783. All four vendors
were selected for testing. The School Corporation provided documentation detailing the history
of procurement for two of the four vendors; however, a contract as required was not awarded
to these vendors. The total amount spent with the two vendors was $247,825.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the two vendors identified
above.
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients
are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or
otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods
and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are
expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs
exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the
covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying
that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred,
or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed that the Director of School Finance
verified applicable vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal
programs prior to entering into a covered transaction. However, the Director of School Finance
verified the vendors' status without a system of oversight or review to ensure compliance prior
to payment.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.318(a) states:
"The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent
with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the
acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-
Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement
standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327."
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part:
"(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be:
(1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and
(2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . .
(d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a
contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies
required. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions
or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are
followed. In addition, we recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls, including policies that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate
reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place prior to payment of covered transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Number: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 2021-2022, 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement
for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at
$250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana
Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are
permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process
allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between
two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or
under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold,
but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without
soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price
or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The population for those procurements that fell within the small purchases range consisted of
four vendors with a total purchased amount from those vendors of $314,783. All four vendors
were selected for testing. The School Corporation provided documentation detailing the history
of procurement for two of the four vendors; however, a contract as required was not awarded
to these vendors. The total amount spent with the two vendors was $247,825.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the two vendors identified
above.
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients
are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or
otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods
and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are
expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs
exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the
covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying
that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred,
or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed that the Director of School Finance
verified applicable vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal
programs prior to entering into a covered transaction. However, the Director of School Finance
verified the vendors' status without a system of oversight or review to ensure compliance prior
to payment.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.318(a) states:
"The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent
with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the
acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-
Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement
standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327."
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part:
"(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be:
(1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and
(2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . .
(d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a
contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies
required. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions
or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are
followed. In addition, we recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls, including policies that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate
reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place prior to payment of covered transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Number: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 2021-2022, 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement
for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at
$250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana
Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are
permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process
allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between
two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or
under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold,
but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without
soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price
or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The population for those procurements that fell within the small purchases range consisted of
four vendors with a total purchased amount from those vendors of $314,783. All four vendors
were selected for testing. The School Corporation provided documentation detailing the history
of procurement for two of the four vendors; however, a contract as required was not awarded
to these vendors. The total amount spent with the two vendors was $247,825.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the two vendors identified
above.
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients
are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or
otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods
and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are
expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs
exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the
covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying
that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred,
or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed that the Director of School Finance
verified applicable vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal
programs prior to entering into a covered transaction. However, the Director of School Finance
verified the vendors' status without a system of oversight or review to ensure compliance prior
to payment.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.318(a) states:
"The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent
with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the
acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-
Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement
standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327."
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part:
"(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be:
(1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and
(2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . .
(d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a
contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies
required. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions
or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are
followed. In addition, we recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls, including policies that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate
reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place prior to payment of covered transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Number: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 2021-2022, 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement
for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at
$250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana
Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are
permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process
allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between
two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or
under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold,
but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without
soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price
or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The population for those procurements that fell within the small purchases range consisted of
four vendors with a total purchased amount from those vendors of $314,783. All four vendors
were selected for testing. The School Corporation provided documentation detailing the history
of procurement for two of the four vendors; however, a contract as required was not awarded
to these vendors. The total amount spent with the two vendors was $247,825.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the two vendors identified
above.
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients
are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or
otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods
and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are
expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs
exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the
covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying
that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred,
or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed that the Director of School Finance
verified applicable vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal
programs prior to entering into a covered transaction. However, the Director of School Finance
verified the vendors' status without a system of oversight or review to ensure compliance prior
to payment.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.318(a) states:
"The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent
with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the
acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-
Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement
standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327."
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part:
"(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be:
(1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and
(2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . .
(d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a
contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies
required. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions
or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are
followed. In addition, we recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls, including policies that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate
reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place prior to payment of covered transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Number: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 2021-2022, 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement
for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at
$250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-federal entity. As Indiana
Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are
permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process
allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between
two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or
under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold,
but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without
soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price
or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The population for those procurements that fell within the small purchases range consisted of
four vendors with a total purchased amount from those vendors of $314,783. All four vendors
were selected for testing. The School Corporation provided documentation detailing the history
of procurement for two of the four vendors; however, a contract as required was not awarded
to these vendors. The total amount spent with the two vendors was $247,825.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the two vendors identified
above.
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients
are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or
otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods
and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are
expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs
exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the
covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying
that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred,
or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed that the Director of School Finance
verified applicable vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal
programs prior to entering into a covered transaction. However, the Director of School Finance
verified the vendors' status without a system of oversight or review to ensure compliance prior
to payment.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.318(a) states:
"The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent
with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the
acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-
Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement
standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327."
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part:
"(a) This section applies only if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be:
(1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and
(2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . .
(d) If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award a
contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies
required. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions
or the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure proper procurement procedures are
followed. In addition, we recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls, including policies that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate
reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place prior to payment of covered transactions.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility, Special Tests and Provisions - Verification
of Free and Reduced Price Applications (NSLP)
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Special Tests and Provisions - Verification
of Free and Reduced Price Applications (NSLP)
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report regarding Eligibility. The prior audit finding
number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the eligibility determination of a child receiving meals
and to the verification of free and reduced price applications.
Eligibility
Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of
"child," may receive meals under the applicable program. In the case of the National School
Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, children belonging to households meeting
nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at reduced price.
Children who have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals pay the
full price, set by the School Food Authority, for their meals. Children attending SFSP meal
service sites receive their meals at no charge. As a general rule, a child's eligibility for free or
reduced-price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the
submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family
income and family size. Local educational agencies, institutions, and sponsors then determine
eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility
guidelines. Additionally, a child may be direct certified. For a direct certification, annual
eligibility determinations are based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP,
FDPIR, the Head Start Program (ALN 93.600), or, under most circumstances, the TANF
program (ALN 93.558). A household may furnish documentation of its participation in one of
these programs; or the school, institution, or sponsor may obtain the information directly from
the state or local agency that administers these programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless,
and migrant children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct
certified households do not need to complete an application.
The system parameters, including income guidelines, were entered by the software vendor
without a documented review or oversight process by the School Corporation to ensure the
parameters entered were accurate.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
In addition, the Director of Food Service and the Student Data Coordinator were responsible
for processing on-line and paper application eligibility in the School Corporation's software
system (Harmony). The Director of School Finance was responsible for randomly reviewing
the eligibility status of on-line and paper applications; however, documentation of which
applications were reviewed was not maintained. Therefore, we could not determine if there
was an oversight, review, or approval process to ensure that eligibility determinations were
correct.
Finally, the Student Data Coordinator was responsible for generating and inputting the Direct
Certification Reports into the School Corporation's software system (Harmony). There was no
evidence of an oversight, review, or approval process to ensure that the Direct Certification
Reports were generated and input into the system.
Special Tests and Provisions - Verifications of Free and Reduced Price
Applications (NSLP) (Applies to National School Lunch Program only)
By November 15 of each school year, the Local Educational Agencies (LEA) must verify the
current free and reduced price eligibility of households selected from a sample of applications
that it has approved for free and reduced price meals, unless the LEA is otherwise exempt from
the verification requirement. The verification sample size is based on the total number of
approved applications on file on October 1.
If the LEA performs the verification function it must be in accordance with instructions provided
by the state agency. The LEA must follow up on children whose eligibility status has changed
as the result of verification activities to put them in the correct category.
The Student Data Coordinator was responsible for performing the required verification of three
free and reduced price applications. There was no documentation of an oversight, review, or
approval process to ensure that the verifications were properly performed.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
implemented by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility, Special Tests and Provisions - Verification
of Free and Reduced Price Applications (NSLP)
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 2022-2023
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Special Tests and Provisions - Verification
of Free and Reduced Price Applications (NSLP)
Audit Finding: Material Weakness
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report regarding Eligibility. The prior audit finding
number was 2021-003.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the eligibility determination of a child receiving meals
and to the verification of free and reduced price applications.
Eligibility
Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of
"child," may receive meals under the applicable program. In the case of the National School
Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, children belonging to households meeting
nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at reduced price.
Children who have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals pay the
full price, set by the School Food Authority, for their meals. Children attending SFSP meal
service sites receive their meals at no charge. As a general rule, a child's eligibility for free or
reduced-price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the
submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family
income and family size. Local educational agencies, institutions, and sponsors then determine
eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility
guidelines. Additionally, a child may be direct certified. For a direct certification, annual
eligibility determinations are based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP,
FDPIR, the Head Start Program (ALN 93.600), or, under most circumstances, the TANF
program (ALN 93.558). A household may furnish documentation of its participation in one of
these programs; or the school, institution, or sponsor may obtain the information directly from
the state or local agency that administers these programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless,
and migrant children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct
certified households do not need to complete an application.
The system parameters, including income guidelines, were entered by the software vendor
without a documented review or oversight process by the School Corporation to ensure the
parameters entered were accurate.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
In addition, the Director of Food Service and the Student Data Coordinator were responsible
for processing on-line and paper application eligibility in the School Corporation's software
system (Harmony). The Director of School Finance was responsible for randomly reviewing
the eligibility status of on-line and paper applications; however, documentation of which
applications were reviewed was not maintained. Therefore, we could not determine if there
was an oversight, review, or approval process to ensure that eligibility determinations were
correct.
Finally, the Student Data Coordinator was responsible for generating and inputting the Direct
Certification Reports into the School Corporation's software system (Harmony). There was no
evidence of an oversight, review, or approval process to ensure that the Direct Certification
Reports were generated and input into the system.
Special Tests and Provisions - Verifications of Free and Reduced Price
Applications (NSLP) (Applies to National School Lunch Program only)
By November 15 of each school year, the Local Educational Agencies (LEA) must verify the
current free and reduced price eligibility of households selected from a sample of applications
that it has approved for free and reduced price meals, unless the LEA is otherwise exempt from
the verification requirement. The verification sample size is based on the total number of
approved applications on file on October 1.
If the LEA performs the verification function it must be in accordance with instructions provided
by the state agency. The LEA must follow up on children whose eligibility status has changed
as the result of verification activities to put them in the correct category.
The Student Data Coordinator was responsible for performing the required verification of three
free and reduced price applications. There was no documentation of an oversight, review, or
approval process to ensure that the verifications were properly performed.
The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
implemented by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of
Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to,
current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The reports were prepared by one employee
without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors.
Due to the lack of internal controls, the ESSER III, Year 1 Report had the following errors:
The key line items "Meeting Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Other Needs
(Excluding Mental Health Supports)(exclusive of amount expended toward required setaside
to address learning loss) - Supplies" and "Meeting Students' Academic, Social,
Emotional, and Other Needs (Excluding Mental Health Supports)(amount expended
toward required set-aside to address learning loss) - Supplies" reported an expended
amount of $285,111; however, the amount was only encumbered in the ledger, not actually
expended.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The lack of
noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III, Year 1 report.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following:
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with
program requirements."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the amount expended for two key line items was not supported by the ledger.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the
COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate and complete.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of
Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to,
current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The reports were prepared by one employee
without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors.
Due to the lack of internal controls, the ESSER III, Year 1 Report had the following errors:
The key line items "Meeting Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Other Needs
(Excluding Mental Health Supports)(exclusive of amount expended toward required setaside
to address learning loss) - Supplies" and "Meeting Students' Academic, Social,
Emotional, and Other Needs (Excluding Mental Health Supports)(amount expended
toward required set-aside to address learning loss) - Supplies" reported an expended
amount of $285,111; however, the amount was only encumbered in the ledger, not actually
expended.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The lack of
noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III, Year 1 report.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following:
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with
program requirements."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the amount expended for two key line items was not supported by the ledger.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the
COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate and complete.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of
Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to,
current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The reports were prepared by one employee
without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors.
Due to the lack of internal controls, the ESSER III, Year 1 Report had the following errors:
The key line items "Meeting Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Other Needs
(Excluding Mental Health Supports)(exclusive of amount expended toward required setaside
to address learning loss) - Supplies" and "Meeting Students' Academic, Social,
Emotional, and Other Needs (Excluding Mental Health Supports)(amount expended
toward required set-aside to address learning loss) - Supplies" reported an expended
amount of $285,111; however, the amount was only encumbered in the ledger, not actually
expended.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The lack of
noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III, Year 1 report.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following:
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with
program requirements."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the amount expended for two key line items was not supported by the ledger.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the
COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate and complete.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of
Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to,
current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The reports were prepared by one employee
without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors.
Due to the lack of internal controls, the ESSER III, Year 1 Report had the following errors:
The key line items "Meeting Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Other Needs
(Excluding Mental Health Supports)(exclusive of amount expended toward required setaside
to address learning loss) - Supplies" and "Meeting Students' Academic, Social,
Emotional, and Other Needs (Excluding Mental Health Supports)(amount expended
toward required set-aside to address learning loss) - Supplies" reported an expended
amount of $285,111; however, the amount was only encumbered in the ledger, not actually
expended.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The lack of
noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III, Year 1 report.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following:
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with
program requirements."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the amount expended for two key line items was not supported by the ledger.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the
COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate and complete.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of
Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to,
current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The reports were prepared by one employee
without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors.
Due to the lack of internal controls, the ESSER III, Year 1 Report had the following errors:
The key line items "Meeting Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Other Needs
(Excluding Mental Health Supports)(exclusive of amount expended toward required setaside
to address learning loss) - Supplies" and "Meeting Students' Academic, Social,
Emotional, and Other Needs (Excluding Mental Health Supports)(amount expended
toward required set-aside to address learning loss) - Supplies" reported an expended
amount of $285,111; however, the amount was only encumbered in the ledger, not actually
expended.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The lack of
noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III, Year 1 report.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following:
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with
program requirements."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the amount expended for two key line items was not supported by the ledger.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the
COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate and complete.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of
Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to,
current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II
reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The reports were prepared by one employee
without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors.
Due to the lack of internal controls, the ESSER III, Year 1 Report had the following errors:
The key line items "Meeting Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Other Needs
(Excluding Mental Health Supports)(exclusive of amount expended toward required setaside
to address learning loss) - Supplies" and "Meeting Students' Academic, Social,
Emotional, and Other Needs (Excluding Mental Health Supports)(amount expended
toward required set-aside to address learning loss) - Supplies" reported an expended
amount of $285,111; however, the amount was only encumbered in the ledger, not actually
expended.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The lack of
noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III, Year 1 report.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following:
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with
program requirements."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls, which would include segregation of key functions, was not
designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and
implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures.
Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal
controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies.
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23
LINTON-STOCKTON SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
(Continued)
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the amount expended for two key line items was not supported by the ledger.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the
COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate and complete.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.