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.