Audit 297652

FY End
2023-06-30
Total Expended
$8.27M
Findings
38
Programs
27
Year: 2023 Accepted: 2024-03-26

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
384554 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes Eligibility
384555 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes Eligibility
384556 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes Eligibility
384557 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes Eligibility
384558 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes Eligibility
384559 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes Eligibility
384560 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
384561 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
384562 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
384563 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
384564 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
384565 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
384566 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
384567 2023-006 Material Weakness Yes B
384568 2023-006 Material Weakness Yes B
384569 2023-007 Material Weakness - E
384570 2023-007 Material Weakness - E
384571 2023-008 Material Weakness - G
384572 2023-008 Material Weakness - G
960996 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes Eligibility
960997 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes Eligibility
960998 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes Eligibility
960999 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes Eligibility
961000 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes Eligibility
961001 2023-004 Material Weakness Yes Eligibility
961002 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
961003 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
961004 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
961005 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
961006 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
961007 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
961008 2023-005 Material Weakness - BI
961009 2023-006 Material Weakness Yes B
961010 2023-006 Material Weakness Yes B
961011 2023-007 Material Weakness - E
961012 2023-007 Material Weakness - E
961013 2023-008 Material Weakness - G
961014 2023-008 Material Weakness - G

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
10.555 National School Lunch Program 2022 $1.36M Yes 1
10.555 National School Lunch Program 2023 $1.33M Yes 1
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund 2023 $556,140 Yes 0
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 2022 $404,526 Yes 3
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 2023 $404,429 Yes 3
10.553 School Breakfast Program 2022 $253,804 Yes 1
10.553 School Breakfast Program 2023 $234,279 Yes 1
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants 2022 $138,545 - 0
84.048 Career and Technical Education -- Basic Grants to States 2022 $123,553 - 0
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund 2022 $111,116 Yes 0
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants 2023 $106,552 - 0
84.048 Career and Technical Education -- Basic Grants to States 2023 $104,705 - 0
10.559 Summer Food Service Program for Children 2022 $82,234 Yes 1
84.027 Special Education_grants to States 2023 $76,041 Yes 1
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program 2022 $62,216 - 0
10.559 Summer Food Service Program for Children 2023 $43,650 Yes 1
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) 2022 $35,814 - 0
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program 2023 $23,496 - 0
93.778 Medical Assistance Program 2022 $22,814 - 0
93.778 Medical Assistance Program 2023 $18,506 - 0
84.173 Special Education_preschool Grants 2022 $13,891 Yes 1
84.365 English Language Acquisition State Grants 2022 $9,890 - 0
84.365 English Language Acquisition State Grants 2023 $7,721 - 0
84.027 Special Education_grants to States 2022 $4,226 Yes 1
10.649 Pandemic Ebt Administrative Costs 2023 $3,135 - 0
10.649 Pandemic Ebt Administrative Costs 2022 $3,063 - 0
84.173 Special Education_preschool Grants 2023 $811 Yes 1

Contacts

Name Title Type
UGNAMVAVXXX4 Rachel Moore Auditee
5744573188 Beth Kelley, Cpa, Cfe Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Note 3. West Noble Consortium Accounting Policies: Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies A. Basis of Presentation The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) includes the federal grant activity of the School Corporation under programs of the federal government for the years ended June 30, 2022 and 2023. The information in the SEFA is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because the SEFA presents only a select portion of the operations of the School Corporation, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position of the School Corporation. The Uniform Guidance requires an annual audit of nonfederal entities expending a total amount of federal awards equal to or in excess of $750,000 in any fiscal year unless by constitution or statute a less frequent audit is required. In accordance with Indiana Code (IC 5-11-1-25), audits of school corporations shall be conducted biennially. Such audits shall include both years within the biennial period. B. Other Significant Accounting Policies Expenditures reported on the SEFA are reported on the cash basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, either the cost principles in OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, or the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowed or are limited as to reimbursement. When federal grants are received on a reimbursement basis, the federal awards are considered expended when the reimbursement is received. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Note 2. Indirect Cost Rate The School Corporation has elected not to use the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. Note 3. West Noble Consortium The School Corporation is a member of the West Noble Consortium (Consortium). As a result, some of the activity for the English Language Acquisition State Grants (Title III) that is presented on the SEFA is not presented as receipts and disbursements in the financial statement for the School Corporation. This activity is presented in the financial statement of the Consortium's fiscal agent.

Finding Details

FINDING 2023-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding for Eligibility from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Condition and Context Eligibility Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable programs. A child belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from the State or local agency that administers those 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. Paper applications and online applications are processed in the School Corporation's software system to determine if students are eligible for free or reduced meals. Paper applications are input by the Nutrition Services Director and online applications are directly submitted by parents. The software's determination of eligibility is recalculated by the Nutrition Services Director without an oversight or review process in place to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Nutrition Services Director downloaded the Direct Certifications file from the CNC Web Portal and uploaded the file into the School Corporation's software on a monthly basis without a documented oversight or review process in place to ensure directly certified students were properly processed. The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023. Reporting The School Corporation must submit monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement (claims) for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim. Claims were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as required; however, the claims were prepared by one employee without a review or approval process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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 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: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding for Eligibility from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Condition and Context Eligibility Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable programs. A child belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from the State or local agency that administers those 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. Paper applications and online applications are processed in the School Corporation's software system to determine if students are eligible for free or reduced meals. Paper applications are input by the Nutrition Services Director and online applications are directly submitted by parents. The software's determination of eligibility is recalculated by the Nutrition Services Director without an oversight or review process in place to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Nutrition Services Director downloaded the Direct Certifications file from the CNC Web Portal and uploaded the file into the School Corporation's software on a monthly basis without a documented oversight or review process in place to ensure directly certified students were properly processed. The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023. Reporting The School Corporation must submit monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement (claims) for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim. Claims were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as required; however, the claims were prepared by one employee without a review or approval process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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 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: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding for Eligibility from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Condition and Context Eligibility Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable programs. A child belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from the State or local agency that administers those 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. Paper applications and online applications are processed in the School Corporation's software system to determine if students are eligible for free or reduced meals. Paper applications are input by the Nutrition Services Director and online applications are directly submitted by parents. The software's determination of eligibility is recalculated by the Nutrition Services Director without an oversight or review process in place to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Nutrition Services Director downloaded the Direct Certifications file from the CNC Web Portal and uploaded the file into the School Corporation's software on a monthly basis without a documented oversight or review process in place to ensure directly certified students were properly processed. The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023. Reporting The School Corporation must submit monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement (claims) for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim. Claims were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as required; however, the claims were prepared by one employee without a review or approval process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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 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: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding for Eligibility from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Condition and Context Eligibility Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable programs. A child belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from the State or local agency that administers those 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. Paper applications and online applications are processed in the School Corporation's software system to determine if students are eligible for free or reduced meals. Paper applications are input by the Nutrition Services Director and online applications are directly submitted by parents. The software's determination of eligibility is recalculated by the Nutrition Services Director without an oversight or review process in place to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Nutrition Services Director downloaded the Direct Certifications file from the CNC Web Portal and uploaded the file into the School Corporation's software on a monthly basis without a documented oversight or review process in place to ensure directly certified students were properly processed. The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023. Reporting The School Corporation must submit monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement (claims) for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim. Claims were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as required; however, the claims were prepared by one employee without a review or approval process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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 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: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding for Eligibility from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Condition and Context Eligibility Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable programs. A child belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from the State or local agency that administers those 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. Paper applications and online applications are processed in the School Corporation's software system to determine if students are eligible for free or reduced meals. Paper applications are input by the Nutrition Services Director and online applications are directly submitted by parents. The software's determination of eligibility is recalculated by the Nutrition Services Director without an oversight or review process in place to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Nutrition Services Director downloaded the Direct Certifications file from the CNC Web Portal and uploaded the file into the School Corporation's software on a monthly basis without a documented oversight or review process in place to ensure directly certified students were properly processed. The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023. Reporting The School Corporation must submit monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement (claims) for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim. Claims were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as required; however, the claims were prepared by one employee without a review or approval process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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 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: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding for Eligibility from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Condition and Context Eligibility Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable programs. A child belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from the State or local agency that administers those 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. Paper applications and online applications are processed in the School Corporation's software system to determine if students are eligible for free or reduced meals. Paper applications are input by the Nutrition Services Director and online applications are directly submitted by parents. The software's determination of eligibility is recalculated by the Nutrition Services Director without an oversight or review process in place to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Nutrition Services Director downloaded the Direct Certifications file from the CNC Web Portal and uploaded the file into the School Corporation's software on a monthly basis without a documented oversight or review process in place to ensure directly certified students were properly processed. The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023. Reporting The School Corporation must submit monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement (claims) for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim. Claims were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as required; however, the claims were prepared by one employee without a review or approval process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. 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 2023-006 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-007. Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost and in conformance with the cost principles was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV) and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 11 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost, in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. 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. 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 to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-007. Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost and in conformance with the cost principles was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV) and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 11 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost, in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. 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. 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 to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Eligibility for Title I is determined on the Eligible School Summary of the Tile I application. Enrollment and Poverty numbers are automatically pulled from the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE) Official Pupil Enrollment (PE) count for each school into the Eligible School Summary page of the Tile I application. The counts that are pre-populated should be based on the School Corporation's records as of October of the prior fiscal year. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two Title I Applications. The School Corporation was required to use the October 2020 Real Time Report data for the 2021-2022 Title I application and the October 2021 Real Time Report data for the 2022-2023 Title I Application submitted to the IDOE. Data to be submitted included student socioeconomic status information. The October 2021 Real Time Report used for the 2022-2023 Title I Application, was not available for review. As such, we were unable to verify the amounts reported in the grant application. Additionally, we were unable to verify if the correct socioeconomic status was properly reported for any of the students. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the October 2021 Real Time Report and 2022-2023 Title I Application. 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. . . ." 34 CFR 200.78(a)(1) states: "After reserving funds, as applicable, under § 200.77, including funds for equitable services for private school students, their teachers, and their families, an LEA must allocate funds under this subpart to school attendance areas and schools, identified as eligible and selected to participate under section 1113(a) or (b) of the ESEA, in rank order on the basis of the total number of public school children from low-income families in each area or school." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, proper documentation was not maintained to ensure enrollment and poverty statues in the Title I Application were accurate. 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 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 to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Eligibility for Title I is determined on the Eligible School Summary of the Tile I application. Enrollment and Poverty numbers are automatically pulled from the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE) Official Pupil Enrollment (PE) count for each school into the Eligible School Summary page of the Tile I application. The counts that are pre-populated should be based on the School Corporation's records as of October of the prior fiscal year. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two Title I Applications. The School Corporation was required to use the October 2020 Real Time Report data for the 2021-2022 Title I application and the October 2021 Real Time Report data for the 2022-2023 Title I Application submitted to the IDOE. Data to be submitted included student socioeconomic status information. The October 2021 Real Time Report used for the 2022-2023 Title I Application, was not available for review. As such, we were unable to verify the amounts reported in the grant application. Additionally, we were unable to verify if the correct socioeconomic status was properly reported for any of the students. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the October 2021 Real Time Report and 2022-2023 Title I Application. 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. . . ." 34 CFR 200.78(a)(1) states: "After reserving funds, as applicable, under § 200.77, including funds for equitable services for private school students, their teachers, and their families, an LEA must allocate funds under this subpart to school attendance areas and schools, identified as eligible and selected to participate under section 1113(a) or (b) of the ESEA, in rank order on the basis of the total number of public school children from low-income families in each area or school." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, proper documentation was not maintained to ensure enrollment and poverty statues in the Title I Application were accurate. 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 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 to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-008 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context Earmarking A portion of the School Corporation's Title I allocation was required to be set aside for homeless reservation. The required amount to be set aside was indicated in the Title I grant application. The School Corporation is responsible for monitoring each required set aside throughout the life of the grant to ensure the obligation is met. There was no oversight or review process in place to ensure monitoring of each required set aside. The School Corporation did not provide documentation to show that the obligation was met, or not met, to service all the homeless students in the School Corporation and did not transfer the unused funds to the next grant award. Level of Effort - Individual Transactions (Vendor) The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) semi-annually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during that period. The IDOE calculated Maintenance of Effort based on the expenditure information submitted on the Form 9 for that fiscal year. To verify amounts used by the IDOE in their computation were derived from the books and records of the School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were recorded properly as to account and object code and reported correctly on the Form 9. The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures for vendor were posted to the correct fund, account, and object codes. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 20 USC 6313I(3)(A) states: "A local educational agency shall reserve such funds as are necessary under this part, determined in accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C), to provide services comparable to those provided to children in schools funded under this part to serve— (i) homeless children and youths, including providing educationally related support services to children in shelters and other locations where children may live; (ii) children in local institutions for neglected children; and (iii) if appropriate, children in local institutions for delinquent children, and neglected or delinquent children in community day programs." 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, proper documentation was not maintained to ensure the obligation to service homeless students was met or unmet. 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 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 to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-008 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context Earmarking A portion of the School Corporation's Title I allocation was required to be set aside for homeless reservation. The required amount to be set aside was indicated in the Title I grant application. The School Corporation is responsible for monitoring each required set aside throughout the life of the grant to ensure the obligation is met. There was no oversight or review process in place to ensure monitoring of each required set aside. The School Corporation did not provide documentation to show that the obligation was met, or not met, to service all the homeless students in the School Corporation and did not transfer the unused funds to the next grant award. Level of Effort - Individual Transactions (Vendor) The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) semi-annually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during that period. The IDOE calculated Maintenance of Effort based on the expenditure information submitted on the Form 9 for that fiscal year. To verify amounts used by the IDOE in their computation were derived from the books and records of the School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were recorded properly as to account and object code and reported correctly on the Form 9. The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures for vendor were posted to the correct fund, account, and object codes. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 20 USC 6313I(3)(A) states: "A local educational agency shall reserve such funds as are necessary under this part, determined in accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C), to provide services comparable to those provided to children in schools funded under this part to serve— (i) homeless children and youths, including providing educationally related support services to children in shelters and other locations where children may live; (ii) children in local institutions for neglected children; and (iii) if appropriate, children in local institutions for delinquent children, and neglected or delinquent children in community day programs." 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, proper documentation was not maintained to ensure the obligation to service homeless students was met or unmet. 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 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 to ensure compliance. 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: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding for Eligibility from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Condition and Context Eligibility Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable programs. A child belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from the State or local agency that administers those 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. Paper applications and online applications are processed in the School Corporation's software system to determine if students are eligible for free or reduced meals. Paper applications are input by the Nutrition Services Director and online applications are directly submitted by parents. The software's determination of eligibility is recalculated by the Nutrition Services Director without an oversight or review process in place to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Nutrition Services Director downloaded the Direct Certifications file from the CNC Web Portal and uploaded the file into the School Corporation's software on a monthly basis without a documented oversight or review process in place to ensure directly certified students were properly processed. The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023. Reporting The School Corporation must submit monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement (claims) for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim. Claims were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as required; however, the claims were prepared by one employee without a review or approval process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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 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: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding for Eligibility from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Condition and Context Eligibility Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable programs. A child belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from the State or local agency that administers those 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. Paper applications and online applications are processed in the School Corporation's software system to determine if students are eligible for free or reduced meals. Paper applications are input by the Nutrition Services Director and online applications are directly submitted by parents. The software's determination of eligibility is recalculated by the Nutrition Services Director without an oversight or review process in place to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Nutrition Services Director downloaded the Direct Certifications file from the CNC Web Portal and uploaded the file into the School Corporation's software on a monthly basis without a documented oversight or review process in place to ensure directly certified students were properly processed. The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023. Reporting The School Corporation must submit monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement (claims) for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim. Claims were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as required; however, the claims were prepared by one employee without a review or approval process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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 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: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding for Eligibility from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Condition and Context Eligibility Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable programs. A child belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from the State or local agency that administers those 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. Paper applications and online applications are processed in the School Corporation's software system to determine if students are eligible for free or reduced meals. Paper applications are input by the Nutrition Services Director and online applications are directly submitted by parents. The software's determination of eligibility is recalculated by the Nutrition Services Director without an oversight or review process in place to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Nutrition Services Director downloaded the Direct Certifications file from the CNC Web Portal and uploaded the file into the School Corporation's software on a monthly basis without a documented oversight or review process in place to ensure directly certified students were properly processed. The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023. Reporting The School Corporation must submit monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement (claims) for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim. Claims were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as required; however, the claims were prepared by one employee without a review or approval process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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 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: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding for Eligibility from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Condition and Context Eligibility Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable programs. A child belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from the State or local agency that administers those 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. Paper applications and online applications are processed in the School Corporation's software system to determine if students are eligible for free or reduced meals. Paper applications are input by the Nutrition Services Director and online applications are directly submitted by parents. The software's determination of eligibility is recalculated by the Nutrition Services Director without an oversight or review process in place to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Nutrition Services Director downloaded the Direct Certifications file from the CNC Web Portal and uploaded the file into the School Corporation's software on a monthly basis without a documented oversight or review process in place to ensure directly certified students were properly processed. The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023. Reporting The School Corporation must submit monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement (claims) for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim. Claims were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as required; however, the claims were prepared by one employee without a review or approval process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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 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: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding for Eligibility from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Condition and Context Eligibility Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable programs. A child belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from the State or local agency that administers those 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. Paper applications and online applications are processed in the School Corporation's software system to determine if students are eligible for free or reduced meals. Paper applications are input by the Nutrition Services Director and online applications are directly submitted by parents. The software's determination of eligibility is recalculated by the Nutrition Services Director without an oversight or review process in place to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Nutrition Services Director downloaded the Direct Certifications file from the CNC Web Portal and uploaded the file into the School Corporation's software on a monthly basis without a documented oversight or review process in place to ensure directly certified students were properly processed. The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023. Reporting The School Corporation must submit monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement (claims) for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim. Claims were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as required; however, the claims were prepared by one employee without a review or approval process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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 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: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2022, FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding for Eligibility from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-005. Condition and Context Eligibility Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable programs. A child belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from the State or local agency that administers those 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. Paper applications and online applications are processed in the School Corporation's software system to determine if students are eligible for free or reduced meals. Paper applications are input by the Nutrition Services Director and online applications are directly submitted by parents. The software's determination of eligibility is recalculated by the Nutrition Services Director without an oversight or review process in place to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Nutrition Services Director downloaded the Direct Certifications file from the CNC Web Portal and uploaded the file into the School Corporation's software on a monthly basis without a documented oversight or review process in place to ensure directly certified students were properly processed. The lack of internal controls was isolated to fiscal year 2022-2023. Reporting The School Corporation must submit monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement (claims) for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim. Claims were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) as required; however, the claims were prepared by one employee without a review or approval process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-113-PN01, 20611-113-PN01, 21611-113-PN01, 21619-014-PN01, 22611-113-PN01, 22619-014-PN01, 23611-113-PN01, 23619-014-PN01, 22611-113-ARP, 22619-113-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. In addition, procurements under federal awards are to be made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to an award. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV), and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 9 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. 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 2023-006 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-007. Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost and in conformance with the cost principles was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV) and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 11 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost, in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. 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. 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 to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-007. Condition and Context Direct charges to a federal award are to be for allowable costs and made in conformance with the applicable cost principles. The School Corporation's process to ensure an expense was for an allowable cost and in conformance with the cost principles was for the Deputy Treasurer or Grant Administrator to prepare an Accounts Payable Voucher (APV) and the Corporation Treasurer to review and approve the APV. To test the internal control for effectiveness, a sample of 40 APVs charged to the grant was selected for testing. For 11 of the 40 APVs tested, there was not a documented review by the Corporation Treasurer. As such, we determined the internal control as designed could not be effective at ensuring an expense was for an allowable cost, in conformance with the cost principles and procured appropriately. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls, 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. 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. 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 to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Eligibility for Title I is determined on the Eligible School Summary of the Tile I application. Enrollment and Poverty numbers are automatically pulled from the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE) Official Pupil Enrollment (PE) count for each school into the Eligible School Summary page of the Tile I application. The counts that are pre-populated should be based on the School Corporation's records as of October of the prior fiscal year. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two Title I Applications. The School Corporation was required to use the October 2020 Real Time Report data for the 2021-2022 Title I application and the October 2021 Real Time Report data for the 2022-2023 Title I Application submitted to the IDOE. Data to be submitted included student socioeconomic status information. The October 2021 Real Time Report used for the 2022-2023 Title I Application, was not available for review. As such, we were unable to verify the amounts reported in the grant application. Additionally, we were unable to verify if the correct socioeconomic status was properly reported for any of the students. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the October 2021 Real Time Report and 2022-2023 Title I Application. 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. . . ." 34 CFR 200.78(a)(1) states: "After reserving funds, as applicable, under § 200.77, including funds for equitable services for private school students, their teachers, and their families, an LEA must allocate funds under this subpart to school attendance areas and schools, identified as eligible and selected to participate under section 1113(a) or (b) of the ESEA, in rank order on the basis of the total number of public school children from low-income families in each area or school." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, proper documentation was not maintained to ensure enrollment and poverty statues in the Title I Application were accurate. 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 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 to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Eligibility for Title I is determined on the Eligible School Summary of the Tile I application. Enrollment and Poverty numbers are automatically pulled from the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE) Official Pupil Enrollment (PE) count for each school into the Eligible School Summary page of the Tile I application. The counts that are pre-populated should be based on the School Corporation's records as of October of the prior fiscal year. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two Title I Applications. The School Corporation was required to use the October 2020 Real Time Report data for the 2021-2022 Title I application and the October 2021 Real Time Report data for the 2022-2023 Title I Application submitted to the IDOE. Data to be submitted included student socioeconomic status information. The October 2021 Real Time Report used for the 2022-2023 Title I Application, was not available for review. As such, we were unable to verify the amounts reported in the grant application. Additionally, we were unable to verify if the correct socioeconomic status was properly reported for any of the students. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the October 2021 Real Time Report and 2022-2023 Title I Application. 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. . . ." 34 CFR 200.78(a)(1) states: "After reserving funds, as applicable, under § 200.77, including funds for equitable services for private school students, their teachers, and their families, an LEA must allocate funds under this subpart to school attendance areas and schools, identified as eligible and selected to participate under section 1113(a) or (b) of the ESEA, in rank order on the basis of the total number of public school children from low-income families in each area or school." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, proper documentation was not maintained to ensure enrollment and poverty statues in the Title I Application were accurate. 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 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 to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-008 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context Earmarking A portion of the School Corporation's Title I allocation was required to be set aside for homeless reservation. The required amount to be set aside was indicated in the Title I grant application. The School Corporation is responsible for monitoring each required set aside throughout the life of the grant to ensure the obligation is met. There was no oversight or review process in place to ensure monitoring of each required set aside. The School Corporation did not provide documentation to show that the obligation was met, or not met, to service all the homeless students in the School Corporation and did not transfer the unused funds to the next grant award. Level of Effort - Individual Transactions (Vendor) The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) semi-annually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during that period. The IDOE calculated Maintenance of Effort based on the expenditure information submitted on the Form 9 for that fiscal year. To verify amounts used by the IDOE in their computation were derived from the books and records of the School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were recorded properly as to account and object code and reported correctly on the Form 9. The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures for vendor were posted to the correct fund, account, and object codes. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 20 USC 6313I(3)(A) states: "A local educational agency shall reserve such funds as are necessary under this part, determined in accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C), to provide services comparable to those provided to children in schools funded under this part to serve— (i) homeless children and youths, including providing educationally related support services to children in shelters and other locations where children may live; (ii) children in local institutions for neglected children; and (iii) if appropriate, children in local institutions for delinquent children, and neglected or delinquent children in community day programs." 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, proper documentation was not maintained to ensure the obligation to service homeless students was met or unmet. 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 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 to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-008 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context Earmarking A portion of the School Corporation's Title I allocation was required to be set aside for homeless reservation. The required amount to be set aside was indicated in the Title I grant application. The School Corporation is responsible for monitoring each required set aside throughout the life of the grant to ensure the obligation is met. There was no oversight or review process in place to ensure monitoring of each required set aside. The School Corporation did not provide documentation to show that the obligation was met, or not met, to service all the homeless students in the School Corporation and did not transfer the unused funds to the next grant award. Level of Effort - Individual Transactions (Vendor) The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) semi-annually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during that period. The IDOE calculated Maintenance of Effort based on the expenditure information submitted on the Form 9 for that fiscal year. To verify amounts used by the IDOE in their computation were derived from the books and records of the School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were recorded properly as to account and object code and reported correctly on the Form 9. The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures for vendor were posted to the correct fund, account, and object codes. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 20 USC 6313I(3)(A) states: "A local educational agency shall reserve such funds as are necessary under this part, determined in accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C), to provide services comparable to those provided to children in schools funded under this part to serve— (i) homeless children and youths, including providing educationally related support services to children in shelters and other locations where children may live; (ii) children in local institutions for neglected children; and (iii) if appropriate, children in local institutions for delinquent children, and neglected or delinquent children in community day programs." 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, proper documentation was not maintained to ensure the obligation to service homeless students was met or unmet. 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 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 to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.