Audit 345299

FY End
2024-06-30
Total Expended
$4.66M
Findings
12
Programs
12
Organization: Fairfield Community Schools (IN)
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2025-03-10
Auditor: Crowe LLP

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
526376 2024-001 Material Weakness - E
526377 2024-001 Material Weakness - E
526378 2024-001 Material Weakness - E
526379 2024-001 Material Weakness - E
526380 2024-002 Material Weakness - F
526381 2024-003 Material Weakness - N
1102818 2024-001 Material Weakness - E
1102819 2024-001 Material Weakness - E
1102820 2024-001 Material Weakness - E
1102821 2024-001 Material Weakness - E
1102822 2024-002 Material Weakness - F
1102823 2024-003 Material Weakness - N

Contacts

Name Title Type
FE49MR6FKA78 Jill Erb Auditee
5748312188 Kevin Kerswick Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the SEFA are reported on the cash basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowed or are limited as to reimbursement. When federal grants are received on a reimbursement basis, the federal awards are considered expended when the reimbursement is received. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The School Corporation has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. A. Basis of Presentation The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) includes the federal grant activity of the School Corporation under programs of the federal government for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024. The information in the SEFA is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because the SEFA presents only a select portion of the operations of the School Corporation, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position of the School Corporation. The Uniform Guidance requires an annual audit of nonfederal entities expending a total amount of federal awards equal to or in excess of $750,000 in any fiscal year unless by constitution or statute a less frequent audit is required. In accordance with Indiana Code (IC 5-11-1-25), audits of school corporations shall be conducted biennially. Such audits shall include both years within the biennial period. B. Other Significant Accounting Policies Expenditures reported on the SEFA are reported on the cash basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowed or are limited as to reimbursement. When federal grants are received on a reimbursement basis, the federal awards are considered expended when the reimbursement is received.
Title: NOTE 2 - INDIRECT COST RATE Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the SEFA are reported on the cash basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowed or are limited as to reimbursement. When federal grants are received on a reimbursement basis, the federal awards are considered expended when the reimbursement is received. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The School Corporation has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The School Corporation has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance.
Title: NOTE 3 - OTHER INFORMATION Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the SEFA are reported on the cash basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowed or are limited as to reimbursement. When federal grants are received on a reimbursement basis, the federal awards are considered expended when the reimbursement is received. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The School Corporation has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The School Corporation did not have any subrecipient activity for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024.
Title: NOTE 4 - NON-CASH PROGRAMS (COMMODITIES) Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the SEFA are reported on the cash basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowed or are limited as to reimbursement. When federal grants are received on a reimbursement basis, the federal awards are considered expended when the reimbursement is received. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The School Corporation has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. Commodities donated to the School Corporation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) of $174,453 are valued based on the USDA’s donated commodity price list. These are shown as part of the National School Lunch Program (10.555).

Finding Details

Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation’s internal controls over eligibility included an annual approval of the food service software’s eligibility guidelines and also a documented review of individual meal applications by Food Service Department staff. During testing of eligibility, we noted 7 applications, out of 60 total students tested for the audit period, that did not have a timely, documented review by Food Service Department staff. The lack of review was isolated to fiscal year 2023. Additionally, there was no documented annual review by School Corporation personnel of the fiscal year 2024 income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend School Corporation management review internal controls over eligibility and ensure a documented review occurs annually of income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. We also recommend management document their review of applications entered into the system and ensure applications are maintained to support eligibility determinations made. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation’s internal controls over eligibility included an annual approval of the food service software’s eligibility guidelines and also a documented review of individual meal applications by Food Service Department staff. During testing of eligibility, we noted 7 applications, out of 60 total students tested for the audit period, that did not have a timely, documented review by Food Service Department staff. The lack of review was isolated to fiscal year 2023. Additionally, there was no documented annual review by School Corporation personnel of the fiscal year 2024 income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend School Corporation management review internal controls over eligibility and ensure a documented review occurs annually of income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. We also recommend management document their review of applications entered into the system and ensure applications are maintained to support eligibility determinations made. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation’s internal controls over eligibility included an annual approval of the food service software’s eligibility guidelines and also a documented review of individual meal applications by Food Service Department staff. During testing of eligibility, we noted 7 applications, out of 60 total students tested for the audit period, that did not have a timely, documented review by Food Service Department staff. The lack of review was isolated to fiscal year 2023. Additionally, there was no documented annual review by School Corporation personnel of the fiscal year 2024 income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend School Corporation management review internal controls over eligibility and ensure a documented review occurs annually of income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. We also recommend management document their review of applications entered into the system and ensure applications are maintained to support eligibility determinations made. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation’s internal controls over eligibility included an annual approval of the food service software’s eligibility guidelines and also a documented review of individual meal applications by Food Service Department staff. During testing of eligibility, we noted 7 applications, out of 60 total students tested for the audit period, that did not have a timely, documented review by Food Service Department staff. The lack of review was isolated to fiscal year 2023. Additionally, there was no documented annual review by School Corporation personnel of the fiscal year 2024 income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend School Corporation management review internal controls over eligibility and ensure a documented review occurs annually of income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. We also recommend management document their review of applications entered into the system and ensure applications are maintained to support eligibility determinations made. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: "Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment), whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum, meet the following requirements: (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management Requirements compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation expended $94,444 on equipment/real property acquisitions during the period under audit which was charged to the ESSER II (84.425D) grant award. While the School Corporation did maintain a capital asset listing for the audit period, controls in place were not operating in an effective manner to properly track federal equipment acquisitions. The School Corporation failed to include the equipment/real property purchases on the capital asset listing. The School Corporation had also not performed a complete physical inventory of capital assets during the audit period as required by federal and state regulations. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation maintain and update the capital asset listing at least annually to include all equipment and real property acquisitions and review for potential capital asset dispositions. The capital asset listing should include all required information to track capital asset acquisitions purchased with federal funds. We also recommend the School Corporation conduct a physical inventory of capital assets at least every two years and maintain documentation to support the process undertaken to comply with federal and state regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: a. The Agency head shall cause or require the contracting officer to insert in full in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the acts listed in §5.1, the following clauses… (1) Minimum wages. (i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or under the United States Housing Act of 1937 or under the Housing Act of 1949 in the construction or development of the project), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics… (3)(ii)(A) The contractor shall submit weekly for each week in which any contract work is performed a copy of all payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, “Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction”). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week.. . .” Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirements. The School Corporation did not include Davis Bacon wage rate requirements in its contract with vendor which includes labor installation. The School Corporation did not obtain the weekly payroll reports certifications from vendor installing equipment. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation had one project during the audit period which included labor installation costs which were charged to the ESSER II (84.425D) grant award. For the vendor selected for testing, the School Corporation did not include federal wage rate requirement clauses in the contract with the vendor and did not have an internal control designed to collect the weekly payroll reports certifications from vendors and its subcontractors, as applicable, to comply with Davis Bacon wage rate requirements. The amount disbursed for the project during the audit period which includes material and labor totaled $94,444. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation include Davis-Bacon wage requirements in vendor contracts which are federally funded and implement a formal process to ensure the required weekly payroll report certifications are collected and reviewed by management to ensure compliance with the federal wage rate requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation’s internal controls over eligibility included an annual approval of the food service software’s eligibility guidelines and also a documented review of individual meal applications by Food Service Department staff. During testing of eligibility, we noted 7 applications, out of 60 total students tested for the audit period, that did not have a timely, documented review by Food Service Department staff. The lack of review was isolated to fiscal year 2023. Additionally, there was no documented annual review by School Corporation personnel of the fiscal year 2024 income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend School Corporation management review internal controls over eligibility and ensure a documented review occurs annually of income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. We also recommend management document their review of applications entered into the system and ensure applications are maintained to support eligibility determinations made. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation’s internal controls over eligibility included an annual approval of the food service software’s eligibility guidelines and also a documented review of individual meal applications by Food Service Department staff. During testing of eligibility, we noted 7 applications, out of 60 total students tested for the audit period, that did not have a timely, documented review by Food Service Department staff. The lack of review was isolated to fiscal year 2023. Additionally, there was no documented annual review by School Corporation personnel of the fiscal year 2024 income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend School Corporation management review internal controls over eligibility and ensure a documented review occurs annually of income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. We also recommend management document their review of applications entered into the system and ensure applications are maintained to support eligibility determinations made. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation’s internal controls over eligibility included an annual approval of the food service software’s eligibility guidelines and also a documented review of individual meal applications by Food Service Department staff. During testing of eligibility, we noted 7 applications, out of 60 total students tested for the audit period, that did not have a timely, documented review by Food Service Department staff. The lack of review was isolated to fiscal year 2023. Additionally, there was no documented annual review by School Corporation personnel of the fiscal year 2024 income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend School Corporation management review internal controls over eligibility and ensure a documented review occurs annually of income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. We also recommend management document their review of applications entered into the system and ensure applications are maintained to support eligibility determinations made. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation’s internal controls over eligibility included an annual approval of the food service software’s eligibility guidelines and also a documented review of individual meal applications by Food Service Department staff. During testing of eligibility, we noted 7 applications, out of 60 total students tested for the audit period, that did not have a timely, documented review by Food Service Department staff. The lack of review was isolated to fiscal year 2023. Additionally, there was no documented annual review by School Corporation personnel of the fiscal year 2024 income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend School Corporation management review internal controls over eligibility and ensure a documented review occurs annually of income eligibility guidelines used by the food service software. We also recommend management document their review of applications entered into the system and ensure applications are maintained to support eligibility determinations made. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: "Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment), whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum, meet the following requirements: (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management Requirements compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation expended $94,444 on equipment/real property acquisitions during the period under audit which was charged to the ESSER II (84.425D) grant award. While the School Corporation did maintain a capital asset listing for the audit period, controls in place were not operating in an effective manner to properly track federal equipment acquisitions. The School Corporation failed to include the equipment/real property purchases on the capital asset listing. The School Corporation had also not performed a complete physical inventory of capital assets during the audit period as required by federal and state regulations. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation maintain and update the capital asset listing at least annually to include all equipment and real property acquisitions and review for potential capital asset dispositions. The capital asset listing should include all required information to track capital asset acquisitions purchased with federal funds. We also recommend the School Corporation conduct a physical inventory of capital assets at least every two years and maintain documentation to support the process undertaken to comply with federal and state regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers: S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: a. The Agency head shall cause or require the contracting officer to insert in full in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the acts listed in §5.1, the following clauses… (1) Minimum wages. (i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or under the United States Housing Act of 1937 or under the Housing Act of 1949 in the construction or development of the project), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics… (3)(ii)(A) The contractor shall submit weekly for each week in which any contract work is performed a copy of all payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, “Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction”). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week.. . .” Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirements. The School Corporation did not include Davis Bacon wage rate requirements in its contract with vendor which includes labor installation. The School Corporation did not obtain the weekly payroll reports certifications from vendor installing equipment. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation had one project during the audit period which included labor installation costs which were charged to the ESSER II (84.425D) grant award. For the vendor selected for testing, the School Corporation did not include federal wage rate requirement clauses in the contract with the vendor and did not have an internal control designed to collect the weekly payroll reports certifications from vendors and its subcontractors, as applicable, to comply with Davis Bacon wage rate requirements. The amount disbursed for the project during the audit period which includes material and labor totaled $94,444. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation include Davis-Bacon wage requirements in vendor contracts which are federally funded and implement a formal process to ensure the required weekly payroll report certifications are collected and reviewed by management to ensure compliance with the federal wage rate requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.