Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: SLFRP2619, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: Unknown Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at c CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. This includes utilizing one of the five allowable procurement methods, including small purchase guidelines for items over the micro-purchase threshold and sealed bids, competitive proposals, or noncompetitive proposals when items exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. In addition, the Uniform Guidance requires that the entity maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. Condition: During our testing of the District?s procurements within the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, it was noted that not all procurements followed the appropriate method and history of the transaction was not sufficiently documented. Context: Out of eight procurements which were tested, we noted that three of them did not have proper documentation for the justification of noncompetitive proposals and one of them the District did not have documentation detailing the history of the procurement, including any other quotes obtained due to the District not following the micro-purchase threshold listed in their policy. Questioned Costs: $58,198.49 Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for noncompetitive procurements as well as that their policy had a different micro-purchase threshold compared to what was in the UG. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the documentation requirements for procurement transactions as detailed in the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over procurement to ensure that all procurements are documented such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: SLFRP2619, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: Unknown Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The district should have controls in place to ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements. The Uniform Guidance requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by either checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause to the covered transaction with the entity. Condition: The School District did not perform the required verification procedures over a covered transaction in fiscal year 2022. Context: Out of five covered transactions which were tested, we noted that one of them did not have documentation that the District performed the required verifications. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for noncompetitive covered transactions as well as their policy did not formalize the District?s suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: The District could have entered into a covered transaction with an entity which was suspended or debarred without realizing it. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over suspension and debarment to ensure that all covered transactions are properly verified to not be suspended or debarred such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: IDEA, Part B funds received by a District cannot be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from local funds, or a combination of state and local funds, below the level of those expenditures for the preceding fiscal year. Condition: During our testing of the District?s maintenance of effort, it was noted that the District?s expenditures from state and local funds for the education of children with disabilities decreased from fiscal year 2021 2022, both in total and per student. Context: Total expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from state and local funds decreased $1,218,450, or 1.07%, while expenditures per students with IEPs decreased $856 per student, or 5.19%. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District did not have an internal control in place to ensure this requirement was being met so it was not properly being monitored. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster maintenance of effort compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its maintenance of effort throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the maintenance of effort requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: A District cannot use more than 15% of the amount of federal IDEA, Part B funds it receives for any fiscal year, in combination with other funds, to develop and implement, early intervening services for children in kindergarten through grade 12 who have not been identified under IDEA but need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in the general education environment. Condition: During our testing of the District?s level of effort, it was noted that the District used more than 15% of its IDEA, Part B funds for the year on Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS). Context: Total CEIS expenditures of the District totaled 17.34%, or $237,154.73 more than the maximum 15%. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $237,154.73. Cause: The District had not implemented a control to monitor this and keep them from overspending in this area in the past. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster earmarking compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its CEIS expenditures throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the earmarking requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at c CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. This includes utilizing one of the five allowable procurement methods, including small purchase guidelines for items over the micro-purchase threshold and sealed bids, competitive proposals, or noncompetitive proposals when items exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. In addition, the Uniform Guidance requires that the entity maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. Condition: During our testing of the District?s procurements within the Special Education program, it was noted that not all procurements followed the appropriate method and history of the transaction was not sufficiently documented. Context: Out of six procurements which were tested, we noted that five of them, for which the District obtained quotes using the small purchase method, did not contain documentation detailing the history of the procurement, including any other quotes obtained. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $415,251.22. Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for noncompetitive procurements as well as that their policy had a different micro-purchase threshold compared to what was in the UG. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the documentation requirements for procurement transactions as detailed in the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over procurement to ensure that all procurements are documented such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Uniform Guidance requires charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. In addition, these records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated, be incorporated into the official records of the entity, and reasonable reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated. Condition: During our testing of a sample of payroll transactions charged to the grant we noted not all transactions were supported by properly approved documentation. Context: Of a sample of 40 payroll disbursement charged to the grant we noted one disbursement for which an employee was overpaid by $125.76. This amount was not charged to the grant. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District?s controls did not catch the fact that the employee`s sick time was paid out at a fulltime rate of 8 hours rather than 7.2 as the employee was a 0.9 FTE. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements around cost principles and time and effort documentation. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over payroll to ensure employees are paid their approved wages. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The district should have controls in place to ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements. The Uniform Guidance requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by either checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause to the covered transaction with the entity. Condition: The School District did not perform the required verification procedures over a covered transaction in fiscal year 2022. Context: Out of five covered transactions which were tested, we noted that one of them did not have documentation that the District performed the required verifications. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for the specific vendor tested due to the services they provided as well as their policy did not formalize the District?s suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: The District could have entered into a covered transaction with an entity which was suspended or debarred without realizing it. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over suspension and debarment to ensure that all covered transactions are properly verified to not be suspended or debarred such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: IDEA, Part B funds received by a District cannot be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from local funds, or a combination of state and local funds, below the level of those expenditures for the preceding fiscal year. Condition: During our testing of the District?s maintenance of effort, it was noted that the District?s expenditures from state and local funds for the education of children with disabilities decreased from fiscal year 2021 2022, both in total and per student. Context: Total expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from state and local funds decreased $1,218,450, or 1.07%, while expenditures per students with IEPs decreased $856 per student, or 5.19%. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District did not have an internal control in place to ensure this requirement was being met so it was not properly being monitored. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster maintenance of effort compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its maintenance of effort throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the maintenance of effort requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: A District cannot use more than 15% of the amount of federal IDEA, Part B funds it receives for any fiscal year, in combination with other funds, to develop and implement, early intervening services for children in kindergarten through grade 12 who have not been identified under IDEA but need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in the general education environment. Condition: During our testing of the District?s level of effort, it was noted that the District used more than 15% of its IDEA, Part B funds for the year on Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS). Context: Total CEIS expenditures of the District totaled 17.34%, or $237,154.73 more than the maximum 15%. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $237,154.73. Cause: The District had not implemented a control to monitor this and keep them from overspending in this area in the past. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster earmarking compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its CEIS expenditures throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the earmarking requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at c CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. This includes utilizing one of the five allowable procurement methods, including small purchase guidelines for items over the micro-purchase threshold and sealed bids, competitive proposals, or noncompetitive proposals when items exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. In addition, the Uniform Guidance requires that the entity maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. Condition: During our testing of the District?s procurements within the Special Education program, it was noted that not all procurements followed the appropriate method and history of the transaction was not sufficiently documented. Context: Out of six procurements which were tested, we noted that five of them, for which the District obtained quotes using the small purchase method, did not contain documentation detailing the history of the procurement, including any other quotes obtained. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $415,251.22. Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for noncompetitive procurements as well as that their policy had a different micro-purchase threshold compared to what was in the UG. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the documentation requirements for procurement transactions as detailed in the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over procurement to ensure that all procurements are documented such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Uniform Guidance requires charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. In addition, these records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated, be incorporated into the official records of the entity, and reasonable reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated. Condition: During our testing of a sample of payroll transactions charged to the grant we noted not all transactions were supported by properly approved documentation. Context: Of a sample of 40 payroll disbursement charged to the grant we noted one disbursement for which an employee was overpaid by $125.76. This amount was not charged to the grant. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District?s controls did not catch the fact that the employee`s sick time was paid out at a fulltime rate of 8 hours rather than 7.2 as the employee was a 0.9 FTE. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements around cost principles and time and effort documentation. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over payroll to ensure employees are paid their approved wages. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The district should have controls in place to ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements. The Uniform Guidance requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by either checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause to the covered transaction with the entity. Condition: The School District did not perform the required verification procedures over a covered transaction in fiscal year 2022. Context: Out of five covered transactions which were tested, we noted that one of them did not have documentation that the District performed the required verifications. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for the specific vendor tested due to the services they provided as well as their policy did not formalize the District?s suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: The District could have entered into a covered transaction with an entity which was suspended or debarred without realizing it. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over suspension and debarment to ensure that all covered transactions are properly verified to not be suspended or debarred such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: IDEA, Part B funds received by a District cannot be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from local funds, or a combination of state and local funds, below the level of those expenditures for the preceding fiscal year. Condition: During our testing of the District?s maintenance of effort, it was noted that the District?s expenditures from state and local funds for the education of children with disabilities decreased from fiscal year 2021 2022, both in total and per student. Context: Total expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from state and local funds decreased $1,218,450, or 1.07%, while expenditures per students with IEPs decreased $856 per student, or 5.19%. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District did not have an internal control in place to ensure this requirement was being met so it was not properly being monitored. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster maintenance of effort compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its maintenance of effort throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the maintenance of effort requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: A District cannot use more than 15% of the amount of federal IDEA, Part B funds it receives for any fiscal year, in combination with other funds, to develop and implement, early intervening services for children in kindergarten through grade 12 who have not been identified under IDEA but need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in the general education environment. Condition: During our testing of the District?s level of effort, it was noted that the District used more than 15% of its IDEA, Part B funds for the year on Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS). Context: Total CEIS expenditures of the District totaled 17.34%, or $237,154.73 more than the maximum 15%. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $237,154.73. Cause: The District had not implemented a control to monitor this and keep them from overspending in this area in the past. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster earmarking compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its CEIS expenditures throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the earmarking requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at c CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. This includes utilizing one of the five allowable procurement methods, including small purchase guidelines for items over the micro-purchase threshold and sealed bids, competitive proposals, or noncompetitive proposals when items exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. In addition, the Uniform Guidance requires that the entity maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. Condition: During our testing of the District?s procurements within the Special Education program, it was noted that not all procurements followed the appropriate method and history of the transaction was not sufficiently documented. Context: Out of six procurements which were tested, we noted that five of them, for which the District obtained quotes using the small purchase method, did not contain documentation detailing the history of the procurement, including any other quotes obtained. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $415,251.22. Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for noncompetitive procurements as well as that their policy had a different micro-purchase threshold compared to what was in the UG. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the documentation requirements for procurement transactions as detailed in the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over procurement to ensure that all procurements are documented such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Uniform Guidance requires charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. In addition, these records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated, be incorporated into the official records of the entity, and reasonable reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated. Condition: During our testing of a sample of payroll transactions charged to the grant we noted not all transactions were supported by properly approved documentation. Context: Of a sample of 40 payroll disbursement charged to the grant we noted one disbursement for which an employee was overpaid by $125.76. This amount was not charged to the grant. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District?s controls did not catch the fact that the employee`s sick time was paid out at a fulltime rate of 8 hours rather than 7.2 as the employee was a 0.9 FTE. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements around cost principles and time and effort documentation. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over payroll to ensure employees are paid their approved wages. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The district should have controls in place to ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements. The Uniform Guidance requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by either checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause to the covered transaction with the entity. Condition: The School District did not perform the required verification procedures over a covered transaction in fiscal year 2022. Context: Out of five covered transactions which were tested, we noted that one of them did not have documentation that the District performed the required verifications. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for the specific vendor tested due to the services they provided as well as their policy did not formalize the District?s suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: The District could have entered into a covered transaction with an entity which was suspended or debarred without realizing it. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over suspension and debarment to ensure that all covered transactions are properly verified to not be suspended or debarred such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: IDEA, Part B funds received by a District cannot be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from local funds, or a combination of state and local funds, below the level of those expenditures for the preceding fiscal year. Condition: During our testing of the District?s maintenance of effort, it was noted that the District?s expenditures from state and local funds for the education of children with disabilities decreased from fiscal year 2021 2022, both in total and per student. Context: Total expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from state and local funds decreased $1,218,450, or 1.07%, while expenditures per students with IEPs decreased $856 per student, or 5.19%. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District did not have an internal control in place to ensure this requirement was being met so it was not properly being monitored. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster maintenance of effort compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its maintenance of effort throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the maintenance of effort requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: A District cannot use more than 15% of the amount of federal IDEA, Part B funds it receives for any fiscal year, in combination with other funds, to develop and implement, early intervening services for children in kindergarten through grade 12 who have not been identified under IDEA but need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in the general education environment. Condition: During our testing of the District?s level of effort, it was noted that the District used more than 15% of its IDEA, Part B funds for the year on Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS). Context: Total CEIS expenditures of the District totaled 17.34%, or $237,154.73 more than the maximum 15%. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $237,154.73. Cause: The District had not implemented a control to monitor this and keep them from overspending in this area in the past. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster earmarking compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its CEIS expenditures throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the earmarking requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at c CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. This includes utilizing one of the five allowable procurement methods, including small purchase guidelines for items over the micro-purchase threshold and sealed bids, competitive proposals, or noncompetitive proposals when items exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. In addition, the Uniform Guidance requires that the entity maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. Condition: During our testing of the District?s procurements within the Special Education program, it was noted that not all procurements followed the appropriate method and history of the transaction was not sufficiently documented. Context: Out of six procurements which were tested, we noted that five of them, for which the District obtained quotes using the small purchase method, did not contain documentation detailing the history of the procurement, including any other quotes obtained. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $415,251.22. Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for noncompetitive procurements as well as that their policy had a different micro-purchase threshold compared to what was in the UG. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the documentation requirements for procurement transactions as detailed in the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over procurement to ensure that all procurements are documented such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Uniform Guidance requires charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. In addition, these records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated, be incorporated into the official records of the entity, and reasonable reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated. Condition: During our testing of a sample of payroll transactions charged to the grant we noted not all transactions were supported by properly approved documentation. Context: Of a sample of 40 payroll disbursement charged to the grant we noted one disbursement for which an employee was overpaid by $125.76. This amount was not charged to the grant. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District?s controls did not catch the fact that the employee`s sick time was paid out at a fulltime rate of 8 hours rather than 7.2 as the employee was a 0.9 FTE. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements around cost principles and time and effort documentation. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over payroll to ensure employees are paid their approved wages. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The district should have controls in place to ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements. The Uniform Guidance requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by either checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause to the covered transaction with the entity. Condition: The School District did not perform the required verification procedures over a covered transaction in fiscal year 2022. Context: Out of five covered transactions which were tested, we noted that one of them did not have documentation that the District performed the required verifications. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for the specific vendor tested due to the services they provided as well as their policy did not formalize the District?s suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: The District could have entered into a covered transaction with an entity which was suspended or debarred without realizing it. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over suspension and debarment to ensure that all covered transactions are properly verified to not be suspended or debarred such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: SLFRP2619, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: Unknown Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at c CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. This includes utilizing one of the five allowable procurement methods, including small purchase guidelines for items over the micro-purchase threshold and sealed bids, competitive proposals, or noncompetitive proposals when items exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. In addition, the Uniform Guidance requires that the entity maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. Condition: During our testing of the District?s procurements within the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, it was noted that not all procurements followed the appropriate method and history of the transaction was not sufficiently documented. Context: Out of eight procurements which were tested, we noted that three of them did not have proper documentation for the justification of noncompetitive proposals and one of them the District did not have documentation detailing the history of the procurement, including any other quotes obtained due to the District not following the micro-purchase threshold listed in their policy. Questioned Costs: $58,198.49 Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for noncompetitive procurements as well as that their policy had a different micro-purchase threshold compared to what was in the UG. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the documentation requirements for procurement transactions as detailed in the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over procurement to ensure that all procurements are documented such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: SLFRP2619, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: Unknown Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The district should have controls in place to ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements. The Uniform Guidance requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by either checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause to the covered transaction with the entity. Condition: The School District did not perform the required verification procedures over a covered transaction in fiscal year 2022. Context: Out of five covered transactions which were tested, we noted that one of them did not have documentation that the District performed the required verifications. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for noncompetitive covered transactions as well as their policy did not formalize the District?s suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: The District could have entered into a covered transaction with an entity which was suspended or debarred without realizing it. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over suspension and debarment to ensure that all covered transactions are properly verified to not be suspended or debarred such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: IDEA, Part B funds received by a District cannot be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from local funds, or a combination of state and local funds, below the level of those expenditures for the preceding fiscal year. Condition: During our testing of the District?s maintenance of effort, it was noted that the District?s expenditures from state and local funds for the education of children with disabilities decreased from fiscal year 2021 2022, both in total and per student. Context: Total expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from state and local funds decreased $1,218,450, or 1.07%, while expenditures per students with IEPs decreased $856 per student, or 5.19%. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District did not have an internal control in place to ensure this requirement was being met so it was not properly being monitored. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster maintenance of effort compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its maintenance of effort throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the maintenance of effort requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: A District cannot use more than 15% of the amount of federal IDEA, Part B funds it receives for any fiscal year, in combination with other funds, to develop and implement, early intervening services for children in kindergarten through grade 12 who have not been identified under IDEA but need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in the general education environment. Condition: During our testing of the District?s level of effort, it was noted that the District used more than 15% of its IDEA, Part B funds for the year on Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS). Context: Total CEIS expenditures of the District totaled 17.34%, or $237,154.73 more than the maximum 15%. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $237,154.73. Cause: The District had not implemented a control to monitor this and keep them from overspending in this area in the past. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster earmarking compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its CEIS expenditures throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the earmarking requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at c CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. This includes utilizing one of the five allowable procurement methods, including small purchase guidelines for items over the micro-purchase threshold and sealed bids, competitive proposals, or noncompetitive proposals when items exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. In addition, the Uniform Guidance requires that the entity maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. Condition: During our testing of the District?s procurements within the Special Education program, it was noted that not all procurements followed the appropriate method and history of the transaction was not sufficiently documented. Context: Out of six procurements which were tested, we noted that five of them, for which the District obtained quotes using the small purchase method, did not contain documentation detailing the history of the procurement, including any other quotes obtained. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $415,251.22. Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for noncompetitive procurements as well as that their policy had a different micro-purchase threshold compared to what was in the UG. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the documentation requirements for procurement transactions as detailed in the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over procurement to ensure that all procurements are documented such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Uniform Guidance requires charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. In addition, these records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated, be incorporated into the official records of the entity, and reasonable reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated. Condition: During our testing of a sample of payroll transactions charged to the grant we noted not all transactions were supported by properly approved documentation. Context: Of a sample of 40 payroll disbursement charged to the grant we noted one disbursement for which an employee was overpaid by $125.76. This amount was not charged to the grant. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District?s controls did not catch the fact that the employee`s sick time was paid out at a fulltime rate of 8 hours rather than 7.2 as the employee was a 0.9 FTE. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements around cost principles and time and effort documentation. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over payroll to ensure employees are paid their approved wages. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The district should have controls in place to ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements. The Uniform Guidance requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by either checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause to the covered transaction with the entity. Condition: The School District did not perform the required verification procedures over a covered transaction in fiscal year 2022. Context: Out of five covered transactions which were tested, we noted that one of them did not have documentation that the District performed the required verifications. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for the specific vendor tested due to the services they provided as well as their policy did not formalize the District?s suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: The District could have entered into a covered transaction with an entity which was suspended or debarred without realizing it. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over suspension and debarment to ensure that all covered transactions are properly verified to not be suspended or debarred such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: IDEA, Part B funds received by a District cannot be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from local funds, or a combination of state and local funds, below the level of those expenditures for the preceding fiscal year. Condition: During our testing of the District?s maintenance of effort, it was noted that the District?s expenditures from state and local funds for the education of children with disabilities decreased from fiscal year 2021 2022, both in total and per student. Context: Total expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from state and local funds decreased $1,218,450, or 1.07%, while expenditures per students with IEPs decreased $856 per student, or 5.19%. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District did not have an internal control in place to ensure this requirement was being met so it was not properly being monitored. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster maintenance of effort compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its maintenance of effort throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the maintenance of effort requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: A District cannot use more than 15% of the amount of federal IDEA, Part B funds it receives for any fiscal year, in combination with other funds, to develop and implement, early intervening services for children in kindergarten through grade 12 who have not been identified under IDEA but need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in the general education environment. Condition: During our testing of the District?s level of effort, it was noted that the District used more than 15% of its IDEA, Part B funds for the year on Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS). Context: Total CEIS expenditures of the District totaled 17.34%, or $237,154.73 more than the maximum 15%. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $237,154.73. Cause: The District had not implemented a control to monitor this and keep them from overspending in this area in the past. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster earmarking compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its CEIS expenditures throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the earmarking requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at c CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. This includes utilizing one of the five allowable procurement methods, including small purchase guidelines for items over the micro-purchase threshold and sealed bids, competitive proposals, or noncompetitive proposals when items exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. In addition, the Uniform Guidance requires that the entity maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. Condition: During our testing of the District?s procurements within the Special Education program, it was noted that not all procurements followed the appropriate method and history of the transaction was not sufficiently documented. Context: Out of six procurements which were tested, we noted that five of them, for which the District obtained quotes using the small purchase method, did not contain documentation detailing the history of the procurement, including any other quotes obtained. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $415,251.22. Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for noncompetitive procurements as well as that their policy had a different micro-purchase threshold compared to what was in the UG. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the documentation requirements for procurement transactions as detailed in the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over procurement to ensure that all procurements are documented such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Uniform Guidance requires charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. In addition, these records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated, be incorporated into the official records of the entity, and reasonable reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated. Condition: During our testing of a sample of payroll transactions charged to the grant we noted not all transactions were supported by properly approved documentation. Context: Of a sample of 40 payroll disbursement charged to the grant we noted one disbursement for which an employee was overpaid by $125.76. This amount was not charged to the grant. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District?s controls did not catch the fact that the employee`s sick time was paid out at a fulltime rate of 8 hours rather than 7.2 as the employee was a 0.9 FTE. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements around cost principles and time and effort documentation. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over payroll to ensure employees are paid their approved wages. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The district should have controls in place to ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements. The Uniform Guidance requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by either checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause to the covered transaction with the entity. Condition: The School District did not perform the required verification procedures over a covered transaction in fiscal year 2022. Context: Out of five covered transactions which were tested, we noted that one of them did not have documentation that the District performed the required verifications. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for the specific vendor tested due to the services they provided as well as their policy did not formalize the District?s suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: The District could have entered into a covered transaction with an entity which was suspended or debarred without realizing it. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over suspension and debarment to ensure that all covered transactions are properly verified to not be suspended or debarred such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: IDEA, Part B funds received by a District cannot be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from local funds, or a combination of state and local funds, below the level of those expenditures for the preceding fiscal year. Condition: During our testing of the District?s maintenance of effort, it was noted that the District?s expenditures from state and local funds for the education of children with disabilities decreased from fiscal year 2021 2022, both in total and per student. Context: Total expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from state and local funds decreased $1,218,450, or 1.07%, while expenditures per students with IEPs decreased $856 per student, or 5.19%. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District did not have an internal control in place to ensure this requirement was being met so it was not properly being monitored. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster maintenance of effort compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its maintenance of effort throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the maintenance of effort requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: A District cannot use more than 15% of the amount of federal IDEA, Part B funds it receives for any fiscal year, in combination with other funds, to develop and implement, early intervening services for children in kindergarten through grade 12 who have not been identified under IDEA but need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in the general education environment. Condition: During our testing of the District?s level of effort, it was noted that the District used more than 15% of its IDEA, Part B funds for the year on Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS). Context: Total CEIS expenditures of the District totaled 17.34%, or $237,154.73 more than the maximum 15%. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $237,154.73. Cause: The District had not implemented a control to monitor this and keep them from overspending in this area in the past. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster earmarking compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its CEIS expenditures throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the earmarking requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at c CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. This includes utilizing one of the five allowable procurement methods, including small purchase guidelines for items over the micro-purchase threshold and sealed bids, competitive proposals, or noncompetitive proposals when items exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. In addition, the Uniform Guidance requires that the entity maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. Condition: During our testing of the District?s procurements within the Special Education program, it was noted that not all procurements followed the appropriate method and history of the transaction was not sufficiently documented. Context: Out of six procurements which were tested, we noted that five of them, for which the District obtained quotes using the small purchase method, did not contain documentation detailing the history of the procurement, including any other quotes obtained. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $415,251.22. Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for noncompetitive procurements as well as that their policy had a different micro-purchase threshold compared to what was in the UG. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the documentation requirements for procurement transactions as detailed in the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over procurement to ensure that all procurements are documented such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Uniform Guidance requires charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. In addition, these records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated, be incorporated into the official records of the entity, and reasonable reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated. Condition: During our testing of a sample of payroll transactions charged to the grant we noted not all transactions were supported by properly approved documentation. Context: Of a sample of 40 payroll disbursement charged to the grant we noted one disbursement for which an employee was overpaid by $125.76. This amount was not charged to the grant. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District?s controls did not catch the fact that the employee`s sick time was paid out at a fulltime rate of 8 hours rather than 7.2 as the employee was a 0.9 FTE. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements around cost principles and time and effort documentation. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over payroll to ensure employees are paid their approved wages. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The district should have controls in place to ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements. The Uniform Guidance requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by either checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause to the covered transaction with the entity. Condition: The School District did not perform the required verification procedures over a covered transaction in fiscal year 2022. Context: Out of five covered transactions which were tested, we noted that one of them did not have documentation that the District performed the required verifications. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for the specific vendor tested due to the services they provided as well as their policy did not formalize the District?s suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: The District could have entered into a covered transaction with an entity which was suspended or debarred without realizing it. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over suspension and debarment to ensure that all covered transactions are properly verified to not be suspended or debarred such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: IDEA, Part B funds received by a District cannot be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from local funds, or a combination of state and local funds, below the level of those expenditures for the preceding fiscal year. Condition: During our testing of the District?s maintenance of effort, it was noted that the District?s expenditures from state and local funds for the education of children with disabilities decreased from fiscal year 2021 2022, both in total and per student. Context: Total expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by the District from state and local funds decreased $1,218,450, or 1.07%, while expenditures per students with IEPs decreased $856 per student, or 5.19%. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District did not have an internal control in place to ensure this requirement was being met so it was not properly being monitored. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster maintenance of effort compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its maintenance of effort throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the maintenance of effort requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: A District cannot use more than 15% of the amount of federal IDEA, Part B funds it receives for any fiscal year, in combination with other funds, to develop and implement, early intervening services for children in kindergarten through grade 12 who have not been identified under IDEA but need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in the general education environment. Condition: During our testing of the District?s level of effort, it was noted that the District used more than 15% of its IDEA, Part B funds for the year on Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS). Context: Total CEIS expenditures of the District totaled 17.34%, or $237,154.73 more than the maximum 15%. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $237,154.73. Cause: The District had not implemented a control to monitor this and keep them from overspending in this area in the past. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Special Education Cluster earmarking compliance requirement. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over calculating and monitoring its CEIS expenditures throughout the year to ensure that amounts are sufficiently budgeted for and planned to meet the earmarking requirement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at c CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. This includes utilizing one of the five allowable procurement methods, including small purchase guidelines for items over the micro-purchase threshold and sealed bids, competitive proposals, or noncompetitive proposals when items exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. In addition, the Uniform Guidance requires that the entity maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. Condition: During our testing of the District?s procurements within the Special Education program, it was noted that not all procurements followed the appropriate method and history of the transaction was not sufficiently documented. Context: Out of six procurements which were tested, we noted that five of them, for which the District obtained quotes using the small purchase method, did not contain documentation detailing the history of the procurement, including any other quotes obtained. Questioned Costs: ALN 84.027 - $415,251.22. Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for noncompetitive procurements as well as that their policy had a different micro-purchase threshold compared to what was in the UG. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the documentation requirements for procurement transactions as detailed in the Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over procurement to ensure that all procurements are documented such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Uniform Guidance requires charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. In addition, these records must be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated, be incorporated into the official records of the entity, and reasonable reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated. Condition: During our testing of a sample of payroll transactions charged to the grant we noted not all transactions were supported by properly approved documentation. Context: Of a sample of 40 payroll disbursement charged to the grant we noted one disbursement for which an employee was overpaid by $125.76. This amount was not charged to the grant. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The District?s controls did not catch the fact that the employee`s sick time was paid out at a fulltime rate of 8 hours rather than 7.2 as the employee was a 0.9 FTE. Effect: The District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements around cost principles and time and effort documentation. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over payroll to ensure employees are paid their approved wages. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220087, 2022 Pass-Through Agency: Minnesota Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: H027A210087, H027X210087, H173A210086, H173X210086 Award Period: July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2022 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria or Specific Requirement: The district should have controls in place to ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements. The Uniform Guidance requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by either checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause to the covered transaction with the entity. Condition: The School District did not perform the required verification procedures over a covered transaction in fiscal year 2022. Context: Out of five covered transactions which were tested, we noted that one of them did not have documentation that the District performed the required verifications. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The district was unaware that they needed documentation for the specific vendor tested due to the services they provided as well as their policy did not formalize the District?s suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: The District could have entered into a covered transaction with an entity which was suspended or debarred without realizing it. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District reviews its procedures and controls over suspension and debarment to ensure that all covered transactions are properly verified to not be suspended or debarred such that a third party can clearly see and understand the detailed history of the procurement. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.