Audit 350469

FY End
2024-06-30
Total Expended
$9.55M
Findings
40
Programs
22
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2025-03-31

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
540834 2024-002 Material Weakness Yes G
540835 2024-002 Material Weakness Yes G
540836 2024-002 Material Weakness Yes G
540837 2024-002 Material Weakness Yes G
540838 2024-002 Material Weakness Yes G
540839 2024-002 Material Weakness Yes G
540840 2024-003 Material Weakness - AB
540841 2024-003 Material Weakness - AB
540842 2024-003 Material Weakness - AB
540843 2024-003 Material Weakness - AB
540844 2024-003 Material Weakness - AB
540845 2024-003 Material Weakness - AB
540846 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
540847 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
540848 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
540849 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
540850 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
540851 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
540852 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
540853 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
1117276 2024-002 Material Weakness Yes G
1117277 2024-002 Material Weakness Yes G
1117278 2024-002 Material Weakness Yes G
1117279 2024-002 Material Weakness Yes G
1117280 2024-002 Material Weakness Yes G
1117281 2024-002 Material Weakness Yes G
1117282 2024-003 Material Weakness - AB
1117283 2024-003 Material Weakness - AB
1117284 2024-003 Material Weakness - AB
1117285 2024-003 Material Weakness - AB
1117286 2024-003 Material Weakness - AB
1117287 2024-003 Material Weakness - AB
1117288 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
1117289 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
1117290 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
1117291 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
1117292 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
1117293 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
1117294 2024-004 Material Weakness - H
1117295 2024-004 Material Weakness - H

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
10.555 National School Lunch Program 2023 $1.42M - 0
10.555 National School Lunch Program 2024 $1.18M - 0
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund 2023 $1.13M Yes 0
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund 2024 $689,595 Yes 0
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 2024 $407,321 - 0
10.553 School Breakfast Program 2023 $346,637 - 0
10.553 School Breakfast Program 2024 $334,382 - 0
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies 2023 $324,628 - 0
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) 2023 $203,098 - 0
93.778 Medical Assistance Program 2023 $200,715 - 0
93.778 Medical Assistance Program 2024 $193,701 - 0
84.027 Special Education Grants to States 2023 $121,148 Yes 2
84.367 Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (formerly Improving Teacher Quality State Grants) 2024 $67,678 - 0
84.027 Special Education Grants to States 2024 $60,041 Yes 2
84.367 Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (formerly Improving Teacher Quality State Grants) 2023 $59,063 - 0
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program 2023 $40,031 - 0
84.173 Special Education Preschool Grants 2024 $23,999 Yes 3
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program 2024 $23,997 - 0
84.365 English Language Acquisition State Grants 2024 $18,116 - 0
84.365 English Language Acquisition State Grants 2023 $8,267 - 0
10.649 Pandemic Ebt Administrative Costs 2023 $3,135 - 0
84.173 Special Education Preschool Grants 2023 $137 Yes 3

Contacts

Name Title Type
MCDHMTMHGP27 Chris Richie Auditee
2199874711 Beth Kelley Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Note 3. Cooperative School Services Accounting Policies: Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies A. Basis of Presentation The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) includes the federal award activity of the School Corporation under programs of the federal government for the years ended June 30, 2023, and 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 the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. When federal grants are received on a reimbursement basis, the federal awards are considered expended when the reimbursement is received. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Note 2. Indirect Cost Rate The School Corporation has elected not to use the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. Note 3. Cooperative School Services The School Corporation is a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative), which operates the special education program for the School Corporation. As a result, the activity for the Special Education Cluster (IDEA) that is presented on the SEFA is not presented as receipts and disbursements in the financial statement for the School Corporation. This activity is presented in the financial statement of the Cooperative's fiscal agent.

Finding Details

FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each grant award. The School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools with a portion of the proportionate share being remitted to the member school for earmarking costs. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for private school and homeschooled students as nonpublic students were met. The School Corporation received the full earmarking amount from the Cooperative for grant award 21611-047-PN01 and a portion of grant award 22611-047-PN01. The School Corporation spent only a portion of the required proportionate share amount on allowable costs for each grant award tested in the audit period. For grant awards 21611-047-PN01 and 22611-047-PN01, the School Corporation spent $15,361 and $14,999, respectively, out of the required amount for the proportionate share of $48,324 and $57,883, respectively. For grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP, the School Corporation did not expend any amounts as these funds were spent and handled at the Cooperative. Time and effort logs were not maintained to determine if the teachers paid from these funds were performing duties for the nonpublic students; therefore, amounts charged to the grants were not based on actual time spent for the nonpublic students as required. The School Corporation required amount of proportionate share for grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP was $926, $1,913, and $1,009, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, there was confusion at the School Corporation as to whether the Cooperative or the School Corporation handled what portions of the nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Upon further inquiry, it was determined that the School Corporation handles the portion for the 611 grants by receiving funds from the Cooperative, and the Cooperative handles the 619 grants. However, proper time and effort logs were not maintained for expenditures used to meet the earmarking requirements; therefore, the School Corporation was not able to meet the required earmarking requirements. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each grant award. The School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools with a portion of the proportionate share being remitted to the member school for earmarking costs. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for private school and homeschooled students as nonpublic students were met. The School Corporation received the full earmarking amount from the Cooperative for grant award 21611-047-PN01 and a portion of grant award 22611-047-PN01. The School Corporation spent only a portion of the required proportionate share amount on allowable costs for each grant award tested in the audit period. For grant awards 21611-047-PN01 and 22611-047-PN01, the School Corporation spent $15,361 and $14,999, respectively, out of the required amount for the proportionate share of $48,324 and $57,883, respectively. For grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP, the School Corporation did not expend any amounts as these funds were spent and handled at the Cooperative. Time and effort logs were not maintained to determine if the teachers paid from these funds were performing duties for the nonpublic students; therefore, amounts charged to the grants were not based on actual time spent for the nonpublic students as required. The School Corporation required amount of proportionate share for grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP was $926, $1,913, and $1,009, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, there was confusion at the School Corporation as to whether the Cooperative or the School Corporation handled what portions of the nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Upon further inquiry, it was determined that the School Corporation handles the portion for the 611 grants by receiving funds from the Cooperative, and the Cooperative handles the 619 grants. However, proper time and effort logs were not maintained for expenditures used to meet the earmarking requirements; therefore, the School Corporation was not able to meet the required earmarking requirements. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each grant award. The School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools with a portion of the proportionate share being remitted to the member school for earmarking costs. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for private school and homeschooled students as nonpublic students were met. The School Corporation received the full earmarking amount from the Cooperative for grant award 21611-047-PN01 and a portion of grant award 22611-047-PN01. The School Corporation spent only a portion of the required proportionate share amount on allowable costs for each grant award tested in the audit period. For grant awards 21611-047-PN01 and 22611-047-PN01, the School Corporation spent $15,361 and $14,999, respectively, out of the required amount for the proportionate share of $48,324 and $57,883, respectively. For grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP, the School Corporation did not expend any amounts as these funds were spent and handled at the Cooperative. Time and effort logs were not maintained to determine if the teachers paid from these funds were performing duties for the nonpublic students; therefore, amounts charged to the grants were not based on actual time spent for the nonpublic students as required. The School Corporation required amount of proportionate share for grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP was $926, $1,913, and $1,009, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, there was confusion at the School Corporation as to whether the Cooperative or the School Corporation handled what portions of the nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Upon further inquiry, it was determined that the School Corporation handles the portion for the 611 grants by receiving funds from the Cooperative, and the Cooperative handles the 619 grants. However, proper time and effort logs were not maintained for expenditures used to meet the earmarking requirements; therefore, the School Corporation was not able to meet the required earmarking requirements. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each grant award. The School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools with a portion of the proportionate share being remitted to the member school for earmarking costs. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for private school and homeschooled students as nonpublic students were met. The School Corporation received the full earmarking amount from the Cooperative for grant award 21611-047-PN01 and a portion of grant award 22611-047-PN01. The School Corporation spent only a portion of the required proportionate share amount on allowable costs for each grant award tested in the audit period. For grant awards 21611-047-PN01 and 22611-047-PN01, the School Corporation spent $15,361 and $14,999, respectively, out of the required amount for the proportionate share of $48,324 and $57,883, respectively. For grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP, the School Corporation did not expend any amounts as these funds were spent and handled at the Cooperative. Time and effort logs were not maintained to determine if the teachers paid from these funds were performing duties for the nonpublic students; therefore, amounts charged to the grants were not based on actual time spent for the nonpublic students as required. The School Corporation required amount of proportionate share for grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP was $926, $1,913, and $1,009, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, there was confusion at the School Corporation as to whether the Cooperative or the School Corporation handled what portions of the nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Upon further inquiry, it was determined that the School Corporation handles the portion for the 611 grants by receiving funds from the Cooperative, and the Cooperative handles the 619 grants. However, proper time and effort logs were not maintained for expenditures used to meet the earmarking requirements; therefore, the School Corporation was not able to meet the required earmarking requirements. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each grant award. The School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools with a portion of the proportionate share being remitted to the member school for earmarking costs. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for private school and homeschooled students as nonpublic students were met. The School Corporation received the full earmarking amount from the Cooperative for grant award 21611-047-PN01 and a portion of grant award 22611-047-PN01. The School Corporation spent only a portion of the required proportionate share amount on allowable costs for each grant award tested in the audit period. For grant awards 21611-047-PN01 and 22611-047-PN01, the School Corporation spent $15,361 and $14,999, respectively, out of the required amount for the proportionate share of $48,324 and $57,883, respectively. For grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP, the School Corporation did not expend any amounts as these funds were spent and handled at the Cooperative. Time and effort logs were not maintained to determine if the teachers paid from these funds were performing duties for the nonpublic students; therefore, amounts charged to the grants were not based on actual time spent for the nonpublic students as required. The School Corporation required amount of proportionate share for grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP was $926, $1,913, and $1,009, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, there was confusion at the School Corporation as to whether the Cooperative or the School Corporation handled what portions of the nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Upon further inquiry, it was determined that the School Corporation handles the portion for the 611 grants by receiving funds from the Cooperative, and the Cooperative handles the 619 grants. However, proper time and effort logs were not maintained for expenditures used to meet the earmarking requirements; therefore, the School Corporation was not able to meet the required earmarking requirements. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each grant award. The School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools with a portion of the proportionate share being remitted to the member school for earmarking costs. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for private school and homeschooled students as nonpublic students were met. The School Corporation received the full earmarking amount from the Cooperative for grant award 21611-047-PN01 and a portion of grant award 22611-047-PN01. The School Corporation spent only a portion of the required proportionate share amount on allowable costs for each grant award tested in the audit period. For grant awards 21611-047-PN01 and 22611-047-PN01, the School Corporation spent $15,361 and $14,999, respectively, out of the required amount for the proportionate share of $48,324 and $57,883, respectively. For grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP, the School Corporation did not expend any amounts as these funds were spent and handled at the Cooperative. Time and effort logs were not maintained to determine if the teachers paid from these funds were performing duties for the nonpublic students; therefore, amounts charged to the grants were not based on actual time spent for the nonpublic students as required. The School Corporation required amount of proportionate share for grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP was $926, $1,913, and $1,009, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, there was confusion at the School Corporation as to whether the Cooperative or the School Corporation handled what portions of the nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Upon further inquiry, it was determined that the School Corporation handles the portion for the 611 grants by receiving funds from the Cooperative, and the Cooperative handles the 619 grants. However, proper time and effort logs were not maintained for expenditures used to meet the earmarking requirements; therefore, the School Corporation was not able to meet the required earmarking requirements. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For costs related to nonpublic schools, the practice of the Cooperative was to separate out the required amount for each member school from the Cooperative budget, and the member schools would work with the nonpublic schools to determine how to spend its proportionate share amount. Each member school would then request reimbursement from the Cooperative for nonpublic school expenditures incurred. This allowed both the Cooperative and member schools to maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies. In the initial sample of 25 expenditures, there was no noncompliance identified. However, while performing a review of transactions for the Period of Performance compliance requirement, it was noted that nonpublic schools received direct reimbursements from the Cooperative for its proportionate share expenditures. A total of 13 expenditures were made from special education funds to nonpublic schools on behalf of the member schools during the audit period. Of the 13 expenditures, 5, totaling $2,798, were made on behalf of the School Corporation to a nonpublic school. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 300.202(a) states: "General. Amounts provided to the LEA under Part B of the Act– (1) Must be expended in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part; (2) Must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section; and (3) Must be used to supplement State, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds." 34 CFR 300.208 states: "(a) Uses. Notwithstanding §§ 300.202, 300.203(b), and 300.162(b), funds provided to an LEA under Part B of the Act may be used for the following activities: (1) Services and aids that also benefit nondisabled children. For the costs of special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services, provided in a regular class or other education-related setting to a child with a disability in accordance with the IEP of the child, even if one or more nondisabled children benefit from these services. (2) Early intervening services. To develop and implement coordinated, early intervening educational services in accordance with § 300.226. (3) High cost special education and related services. To establish and implement cost or risk sharing funds, consortia, or cooperatives for the LEA itself, or for LEAs working in a consortium of which the LEA is a part, to pay for high cost special education and related services. (b) Administrative case management. An LEA may use funds received under Part B of the Act to purchase appropriate technology for recordkeeping, data collection, and related case management activities of teachers and related services personnel providing services described in the IEP of children with disabilities, that is needed for the implementation of those case management activities." 34 CFR 300.800 states: "The Secretary provides grants under section 619 of the Act to assist States to provide special education and related services in accordance with Part B of the Act– (a) To children with disabilities aged three through five years; and (b) At a State's discretion, to two-year-old children with disabilities who will turn three during the school year." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-9 states in part: "(a) The public agency must hold title to and exercise continuing administrative control of all: (1) property; (2) equipment; and (3) supplies; the public agency acquires with Part B funds for the benefit of nonpublic school students with disabilities. (b) The public agency may place equipment and supplies in a nonpublic school for the period of time needed to provide special education and related services. The public agency must ensure that the equipment and supplies: (1) are used only for the provision of special education and related services; and (2) can be removed from the nonpublic school without remodeling the nonpublic school facility." Cause Management was not aware that nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate or receive federal funds and that School Corporation must maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies; therefore, reimbursements were made to a nonpublic school for proportionate share expenditures. Effect The payment of proportionate share expenditures to a nonpublic school resulted in the potential misuse of funds that were meant to pay the excess costs of providing special education to students. The unallowable nature of these expenditures may also result in the School Corporation not meeting its requirements related to Non-Public Proportionate Share for the respective grants. Questioned Costs There were questioned costs identified in the amount of $17,857. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no direct reimbursements are made to the nonpublic schools and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For costs related to nonpublic schools, the practice of the Cooperative was to separate out the required amount for each member school from the Cooperative budget, and the member schools would work with the nonpublic schools to determine how to spend its proportionate share amount. Each member school would then request reimbursement from the Cooperative for nonpublic school expenditures incurred. This allowed both the Cooperative and member schools to maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies. In the initial sample of 25 expenditures, there was no noncompliance identified. However, while performing a review of transactions for the Period of Performance compliance requirement, it was noted that nonpublic schools received direct reimbursements from the Cooperative for its proportionate share expenditures. A total of 13 expenditures were made from special education funds to nonpublic schools on behalf of the member schools during the audit period. Of the 13 expenditures, 5, totaling $2,798, were made on behalf of the School Corporation to a nonpublic school. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 300.202(a) states: "General. Amounts provided to the LEA under Part B of the Act– (1) Must be expended in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part; (2) Must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section; and (3) Must be used to supplement State, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds." 34 CFR 300.208 states: "(a) Uses. Notwithstanding §§ 300.202, 300.203(b), and 300.162(b), funds provided to an LEA under Part B of the Act may be used for the following activities: (1) Services and aids that also benefit nondisabled children. For the costs of special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services, provided in a regular class or other education-related setting to a child with a disability in accordance with the IEP of the child, even if one or more nondisabled children benefit from these services. (2) Early intervening services. To develop and implement coordinated, early intervening educational services in accordance with § 300.226. (3) High cost special education and related services. To establish and implement cost or risk sharing funds, consortia, or cooperatives for the LEA itself, or for LEAs working in a consortium of which the LEA is a part, to pay for high cost special education and related services. (b) Administrative case management. An LEA may use funds received under Part B of the Act to purchase appropriate technology for recordkeeping, data collection, and related case management activities of teachers and related services personnel providing services described in the IEP of children with disabilities, that is needed for the implementation of those case management activities." 34 CFR 300.800 states: "The Secretary provides grants under section 619 of the Act to assist States to provide special education and related services in accordance with Part B of the Act– (a) To children with disabilities aged three through five years; and (b) At a State's discretion, to two-year-old children with disabilities who will turn three during the school year." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-9 states in part: "(a) The public agency must hold title to and exercise continuing administrative control of all: (1) property; (2) equipment; and (3) supplies; the public agency acquires with Part B funds for the benefit of nonpublic school students with disabilities. (b) The public agency may place equipment and supplies in a nonpublic school for the period of time needed to provide special education and related services. The public agency must ensure that the equipment and supplies: (1) are used only for the provision of special education and related services; and (2) can be removed from the nonpublic school without remodeling the nonpublic school facility." Cause Management was not aware that nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate or receive federal funds and that School Corporation must maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies; therefore, reimbursements were made to a nonpublic school for proportionate share expenditures. Effect The payment of proportionate share expenditures to a nonpublic school resulted in the potential misuse of funds that were meant to pay the excess costs of providing special education to students. The unallowable nature of these expenditures may also result in the School Corporation not meeting its requirements related to Non-Public Proportionate Share for the respective grants. Questioned Costs There were questioned costs identified in the amount of $17,857. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no direct reimbursements are made to the nonpublic schools and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For costs related to nonpublic schools, the practice of the Cooperative was to separate out the required amount for each member school from the Cooperative budget, and the member schools would work with the nonpublic schools to determine how to spend its proportionate share amount. Each member school would then request reimbursement from the Cooperative for nonpublic school expenditures incurred. This allowed both the Cooperative and member schools to maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies. In the initial sample of 25 expenditures, there was no noncompliance identified. However, while performing a review of transactions for the Period of Performance compliance requirement, it was noted that nonpublic schools received direct reimbursements from the Cooperative for its proportionate share expenditures. A total of 13 expenditures were made from special education funds to nonpublic schools on behalf of the member schools during the audit period. Of the 13 expenditures, 5, totaling $2,798, were made on behalf of the School Corporation to a nonpublic school. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 300.202(a) states: "General. Amounts provided to the LEA under Part B of the Act– (1) Must be expended in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part; (2) Must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section; and (3) Must be used to supplement State, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds." 34 CFR 300.208 states: "(a) Uses. Notwithstanding §§ 300.202, 300.203(b), and 300.162(b), funds provided to an LEA under Part B of the Act may be used for the following activities: (1) Services and aids that also benefit nondisabled children. For the costs of special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services, provided in a regular class or other education-related setting to a child with a disability in accordance with the IEP of the child, even if one or more nondisabled children benefit from these services. (2) Early intervening services. To develop and implement coordinated, early intervening educational services in accordance with § 300.226. (3) High cost special education and related services. To establish and implement cost or risk sharing funds, consortia, or cooperatives for the LEA itself, or for LEAs working in a consortium of which the LEA is a part, to pay for high cost special education and related services. (b) Administrative case management. An LEA may use funds received under Part B of the Act to purchase appropriate technology for recordkeeping, data collection, and related case management activities of teachers and related services personnel providing services described in the IEP of children with disabilities, that is needed for the implementation of those case management activities." 34 CFR 300.800 states: "The Secretary provides grants under section 619 of the Act to assist States to provide special education and related services in accordance with Part B of the Act– (a) To children with disabilities aged three through five years; and (b) At a State's discretion, to two-year-old children with disabilities who will turn three during the school year." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-9 states in part: "(a) The public agency must hold title to and exercise continuing administrative control of all: (1) property; (2) equipment; and (3) supplies; the public agency acquires with Part B funds for the benefit of nonpublic school students with disabilities. (b) The public agency may place equipment and supplies in a nonpublic school for the period of time needed to provide special education and related services. The public agency must ensure that the equipment and supplies: (1) are used only for the provision of special education and related services; and (2) can be removed from the nonpublic school without remodeling the nonpublic school facility." Cause Management was not aware that nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate or receive federal funds and that School Corporation must maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies; therefore, reimbursements were made to a nonpublic school for proportionate share expenditures. Effect The payment of proportionate share expenditures to a nonpublic school resulted in the potential misuse of funds that were meant to pay the excess costs of providing special education to students. The unallowable nature of these expenditures may also result in the School Corporation not meeting its requirements related to Non-Public Proportionate Share for the respective grants. Questioned Costs There were questioned costs identified in the amount of $17,857. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no direct reimbursements are made to the nonpublic schools and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For costs related to nonpublic schools, the practice of the Cooperative was to separate out the required amount for each member school from the Cooperative budget, and the member schools would work with the nonpublic schools to determine how to spend its proportionate share amount. Each member school would then request reimbursement from the Cooperative for nonpublic school expenditures incurred. This allowed both the Cooperative and member schools to maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies. In the initial sample of 25 expenditures, there was no noncompliance identified. However, while performing a review of transactions for the Period of Performance compliance requirement, it was noted that nonpublic schools received direct reimbursements from the Cooperative for its proportionate share expenditures. A total of 13 expenditures were made from special education funds to nonpublic schools on behalf of the member schools during the audit period. Of the 13 expenditures, 5, totaling $2,798, were made on behalf of the School Corporation to a nonpublic school. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 300.202(a) states: "General. Amounts provided to the LEA under Part B of the Act– (1) Must be expended in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part; (2) Must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section; and (3) Must be used to supplement State, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds." 34 CFR 300.208 states: "(a) Uses. Notwithstanding §§ 300.202, 300.203(b), and 300.162(b), funds provided to an LEA under Part B of the Act may be used for the following activities: (1) Services and aids that also benefit nondisabled children. For the costs of special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services, provided in a regular class or other education-related setting to a child with a disability in accordance with the IEP of the child, even if one or more nondisabled children benefit from these services. (2) Early intervening services. To develop and implement coordinated, early intervening educational services in accordance with § 300.226. (3) High cost special education and related services. To establish and implement cost or risk sharing funds, consortia, or cooperatives for the LEA itself, or for LEAs working in a consortium of which the LEA is a part, to pay for high cost special education and related services. (b) Administrative case management. An LEA may use funds received under Part B of the Act to purchase appropriate technology for recordkeeping, data collection, and related case management activities of teachers and related services personnel providing services described in the IEP of children with disabilities, that is needed for the implementation of those case management activities." 34 CFR 300.800 states: "The Secretary provides grants under section 619 of the Act to assist States to provide special education and related services in accordance with Part B of the Act– (a) To children with disabilities aged three through five years; and (b) At a State's discretion, to two-year-old children with disabilities who will turn three during the school year." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-9 states in part: "(a) The public agency must hold title to and exercise continuing administrative control of all: (1) property; (2) equipment; and (3) supplies; the public agency acquires with Part B funds for the benefit of nonpublic school students with disabilities. (b) The public agency may place equipment and supplies in a nonpublic school for the period of time needed to provide special education and related services. The public agency must ensure that the equipment and supplies: (1) are used only for the provision of special education and related services; and (2) can be removed from the nonpublic school without remodeling the nonpublic school facility." Cause Management was not aware that nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate or receive federal funds and that School Corporation must maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies; therefore, reimbursements were made to a nonpublic school for proportionate share expenditures. Effect The payment of proportionate share expenditures to a nonpublic school resulted in the potential misuse of funds that were meant to pay the excess costs of providing special education to students. The unallowable nature of these expenditures may also result in the School Corporation not meeting its requirements related to Non-Public Proportionate Share for the respective grants. Questioned Costs There were questioned costs identified in the amount of $17,857. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no direct reimbursements are made to the nonpublic schools and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For costs related to nonpublic schools, the practice of the Cooperative was to separate out the required amount for each member school from the Cooperative budget, and the member schools would work with the nonpublic schools to determine how to spend its proportionate share amount. Each member school would then request reimbursement from the Cooperative for nonpublic school expenditures incurred. This allowed both the Cooperative and member schools to maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies. In the initial sample of 25 expenditures, there was no noncompliance identified. However, while performing a review of transactions for the Period of Performance compliance requirement, it was noted that nonpublic schools received direct reimbursements from the Cooperative for its proportionate share expenditures. A total of 13 expenditures were made from special education funds to nonpublic schools on behalf of the member schools during the audit period. Of the 13 expenditures, 5, totaling $2,798, were made on behalf of the School Corporation to a nonpublic school. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 300.202(a) states: "General. Amounts provided to the LEA under Part B of the Act– (1) Must be expended in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part; (2) Must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section; and (3) Must be used to supplement State, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds." 34 CFR 300.208 states: "(a) Uses. Notwithstanding §§ 300.202, 300.203(b), and 300.162(b), funds provided to an LEA under Part B of the Act may be used for the following activities: (1) Services and aids that also benefit nondisabled children. For the costs of special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services, provided in a regular class or other education-related setting to a child with a disability in accordance with the IEP of the child, even if one or more nondisabled children benefit from these services. (2) Early intervening services. To develop and implement coordinated, early intervening educational services in accordance with § 300.226. (3) High cost special education and related services. To establish and implement cost or risk sharing funds, consortia, or cooperatives for the LEA itself, or for LEAs working in a consortium of which the LEA is a part, to pay for high cost special education and related services. (b) Administrative case management. An LEA may use funds received under Part B of the Act to purchase appropriate technology for recordkeeping, data collection, and related case management activities of teachers and related services personnel providing services described in the IEP of children with disabilities, that is needed for the implementation of those case management activities." 34 CFR 300.800 states: "The Secretary provides grants under section 619 of the Act to assist States to provide special education and related services in accordance with Part B of the Act– (a) To children with disabilities aged three through five years; and (b) At a State's discretion, to two-year-old children with disabilities who will turn three during the school year." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-9 states in part: "(a) The public agency must hold title to and exercise continuing administrative control of all: (1) property; (2) equipment; and (3) supplies; the public agency acquires with Part B funds for the benefit of nonpublic school students with disabilities. (b) The public agency may place equipment and supplies in a nonpublic school for the period of time needed to provide special education and related services. The public agency must ensure that the equipment and supplies: (1) are used only for the provision of special education and related services; and (2) can be removed from the nonpublic school without remodeling the nonpublic school facility." Cause Management was not aware that nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate or receive federal funds and that School Corporation must maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies; therefore, reimbursements were made to a nonpublic school for proportionate share expenditures. Effect The payment of proportionate share expenditures to a nonpublic school resulted in the potential misuse of funds that were meant to pay the excess costs of providing special education to students. The unallowable nature of these expenditures may also result in the School Corporation not meeting its requirements related to Non-Public Proportionate Share for the respective grants. Questioned Costs There were questioned costs identified in the amount of $17,857. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no direct reimbursements are made to the nonpublic schools and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For costs related to nonpublic schools, the practice of the Cooperative was to separate out the required amount for each member school from the Cooperative budget, and the member schools would work with the nonpublic schools to determine how to spend its proportionate share amount. Each member school would then request reimbursement from the Cooperative for nonpublic school expenditures incurred. This allowed both the Cooperative and member schools to maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies. In the initial sample of 25 expenditures, there was no noncompliance identified. However, while performing a review of transactions for the Period of Performance compliance requirement, it was noted that nonpublic schools received direct reimbursements from the Cooperative for its proportionate share expenditures. A total of 13 expenditures were made from special education funds to nonpublic schools on behalf of the member schools during the audit period. Of the 13 expenditures, 5, totaling $2,798, were made on behalf of the School Corporation to a nonpublic school. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 300.202(a) states: "General. Amounts provided to the LEA under Part B of the Act– (1) Must be expended in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part; (2) Must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section; and (3) Must be used to supplement State, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds." 34 CFR 300.208 states: "(a) Uses. Notwithstanding §§ 300.202, 300.203(b), and 300.162(b), funds provided to an LEA under Part B of the Act may be used for the following activities: (1) Services and aids that also benefit nondisabled children. For the costs of special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services, provided in a regular class or other education-related setting to a child with a disability in accordance with the IEP of the child, even if one or more nondisabled children benefit from these services. (2) Early intervening services. To develop and implement coordinated, early intervening educational services in accordance with § 300.226. (3) High cost special education and related services. To establish and implement cost or risk sharing funds, consortia, or cooperatives for the LEA itself, or for LEAs working in a consortium of which the LEA is a part, to pay for high cost special education and related services. (b) Administrative case management. An LEA may use funds received under Part B of the Act to purchase appropriate technology for recordkeeping, data collection, and related case management activities of teachers and related services personnel providing services described in the IEP of children with disabilities, that is needed for the implementation of those case management activities." 34 CFR 300.800 states: "The Secretary provides grants under section 619 of the Act to assist States to provide special education and related services in accordance with Part B of the Act– (a) To children with disabilities aged three through five years; and (b) At a State's discretion, to two-year-old children with disabilities who will turn three during the school year." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-9 states in part: "(a) The public agency must hold title to and exercise continuing administrative control of all: (1) property; (2) equipment; and (3) supplies; the public agency acquires with Part B funds for the benefit of nonpublic school students with disabilities. (b) The public agency may place equipment and supplies in a nonpublic school for the period of time needed to provide special education and related services. The public agency must ensure that the equipment and supplies: (1) are used only for the provision of special education and related services; and (2) can be removed from the nonpublic school without remodeling the nonpublic school facility." Cause Management was not aware that nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate or receive federal funds and that School Corporation must maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies; therefore, reimbursements were made to a nonpublic school for proportionate share expenditures. Effect The payment of proportionate share expenditures to a nonpublic school resulted in the potential misuse of funds that were meant to pay the excess costs of providing special education to students. The unallowable nature of these expenditures may also result in the School Corporation not meeting its requirements related to Non-Public Proportionate Share for the respective grants. Questioned Costs There were questioned costs identified in the amount of $17,857. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no direct reimbursements are made to the nonpublic schools and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each grant award. The School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools with a portion of the proportionate share being remitted to the member school for earmarking costs. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for private school and homeschooled students as nonpublic students were met. The School Corporation received the full earmarking amount from the Cooperative for grant award 21611-047-PN01 and a portion of grant award 22611-047-PN01. The School Corporation spent only a portion of the required proportionate share amount on allowable costs for each grant award tested in the audit period. For grant awards 21611-047-PN01 and 22611-047-PN01, the School Corporation spent $15,361 and $14,999, respectively, out of the required amount for the proportionate share of $48,324 and $57,883, respectively. For grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP, the School Corporation did not expend any amounts as these funds were spent and handled at the Cooperative. Time and effort logs were not maintained to determine if the teachers paid from these funds were performing duties for the nonpublic students; therefore, amounts charged to the grants were not based on actual time spent for the nonpublic students as required. The School Corporation required amount of proportionate share for grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP was $926, $1,913, and $1,009, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, there was confusion at the School Corporation as to whether the Cooperative or the School Corporation handled what portions of the nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Upon further inquiry, it was determined that the School Corporation handles the portion for the 611 grants by receiving funds from the Cooperative, and the Cooperative handles the 619 grants. However, proper time and effort logs were not maintained for expenditures used to meet the earmarking requirements; therefore, the School Corporation was not able to meet the required earmarking requirements. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each grant award. The School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools with a portion of the proportionate share being remitted to the member school for earmarking costs. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for private school and homeschooled students as nonpublic students were met. The School Corporation received the full earmarking amount from the Cooperative for grant award 21611-047-PN01 and a portion of grant award 22611-047-PN01. The School Corporation spent only a portion of the required proportionate share amount on allowable costs for each grant award tested in the audit period. For grant awards 21611-047-PN01 and 22611-047-PN01, the School Corporation spent $15,361 and $14,999, respectively, out of the required amount for the proportionate share of $48,324 and $57,883, respectively. For grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP, the School Corporation did not expend any amounts as these funds were spent and handled at the Cooperative. Time and effort logs were not maintained to determine if the teachers paid from these funds were performing duties for the nonpublic students; therefore, amounts charged to the grants were not based on actual time spent for the nonpublic students as required. The School Corporation required amount of proportionate share for grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP was $926, $1,913, and $1,009, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, there was confusion at the School Corporation as to whether the Cooperative or the School Corporation handled what portions of the nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Upon further inquiry, it was determined that the School Corporation handles the portion for the 611 grants by receiving funds from the Cooperative, and the Cooperative handles the 619 grants. However, proper time and effort logs were not maintained for expenditures used to meet the earmarking requirements; therefore, the School Corporation was not able to meet the required earmarking requirements. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each grant award. The School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools with a portion of the proportionate share being remitted to the member school for earmarking costs. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for private school and homeschooled students as nonpublic students were met. The School Corporation received the full earmarking amount from the Cooperative for grant award 21611-047-PN01 and a portion of grant award 22611-047-PN01. The School Corporation spent only a portion of the required proportionate share amount on allowable costs for each grant award tested in the audit period. For grant awards 21611-047-PN01 and 22611-047-PN01, the School Corporation spent $15,361 and $14,999, respectively, out of the required amount for the proportionate share of $48,324 and $57,883, respectively. For grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP, the School Corporation did not expend any amounts as these funds were spent and handled at the Cooperative. Time and effort logs were not maintained to determine if the teachers paid from these funds were performing duties for the nonpublic students; therefore, amounts charged to the grants were not based on actual time spent for the nonpublic students as required. The School Corporation required amount of proportionate share for grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP was $926, $1,913, and $1,009, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, there was confusion at the School Corporation as to whether the Cooperative or the School Corporation handled what portions of the nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Upon further inquiry, it was determined that the School Corporation handles the portion for the 611 grants by receiving funds from the Cooperative, and the Cooperative handles the 619 grants. However, proper time and effort logs were not maintained for expenditures used to meet the earmarking requirements; therefore, the School Corporation was not able to meet the required earmarking requirements. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each grant award. The School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools with a portion of the proportionate share being remitted to the member school for earmarking costs. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for private school and homeschooled students as nonpublic students were met. The School Corporation received the full earmarking amount from the Cooperative for grant award 21611-047-PN01 and a portion of grant award 22611-047-PN01. The School Corporation spent only a portion of the required proportionate share amount on allowable costs for each grant award tested in the audit period. For grant awards 21611-047-PN01 and 22611-047-PN01, the School Corporation spent $15,361 and $14,999, respectively, out of the required amount for the proportionate share of $48,324 and $57,883, respectively. For grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP, the School Corporation did not expend any amounts as these funds were spent and handled at the Cooperative. Time and effort logs were not maintained to determine if the teachers paid from these funds were performing duties for the nonpublic students; therefore, amounts charged to the grants were not based on actual time spent for the nonpublic students as required. The School Corporation required amount of proportionate share for grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP was $926, $1,913, and $1,009, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, there was confusion at the School Corporation as to whether the Cooperative or the School Corporation handled what portions of the nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Upon further inquiry, it was determined that the School Corporation handles the portion for the 611 grants by receiving funds from the Cooperative, and the Cooperative handles the 619 grants. However, proper time and effort logs were not maintained for expenditures used to meet the earmarking requirements; therefore, the School Corporation was not able to meet the required earmarking requirements. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each grant award. The School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools with a portion of the proportionate share being remitted to the member school for earmarking costs. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for private school and homeschooled students as nonpublic students were met. The School Corporation received the full earmarking amount from the Cooperative for grant award 21611-047-PN01 and a portion of grant award 22611-047-PN01. The School Corporation spent only a portion of the required proportionate share amount on allowable costs for each grant award tested in the audit period. For grant awards 21611-047-PN01 and 22611-047-PN01, the School Corporation spent $15,361 and $14,999, respectively, out of the required amount for the proportionate share of $48,324 and $57,883, respectively. For grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP, the School Corporation did not expend any amounts as these funds were spent and handled at the Cooperative. Time and effort logs were not maintained to determine if the teachers paid from these funds were performing duties for the nonpublic students; therefore, amounts charged to the grants were not based on actual time spent for the nonpublic students as required. The School Corporation required amount of proportionate share for grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP was $926, $1,913, and $1,009, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, there was confusion at the School Corporation as to whether the Cooperative or the School Corporation handled what portions of the nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Upon further inquiry, it was determined that the School Corporation handles the portion for the 611 grants by receiving funds from the Cooperative, and the Cooperative handles the 619 grants. However, proper time and effort logs were not maintained for expenditures used to meet the earmarking requirements; therefore, the School Corporation was not able to meet the required earmarking requirements. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each grant award. The School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools with a portion of the proportionate share being remitted to the member school for earmarking costs. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for private school and homeschooled students as nonpublic students were met. The School Corporation received the full earmarking amount from the Cooperative for grant award 21611-047-PN01 and a portion of grant award 22611-047-PN01. The School Corporation spent only a portion of the required proportionate share amount on allowable costs for each grant award tested in the audit period. For grant awards 21611-047-PN01 and 22611-047-PN01, the School Corporation spent $15,361 and $14,999, respectively, out of the required amount for the proportionate share of $48,324 and $57,883, respectively. For grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP, the School Corporation did not expend any amounts as these funds were spent and handled at the Cooperative. Time and effort logs were not maintained to determine if the teachers paid from these funds were performing duties for the nonpublic students; therefore, amounts charged to the grants were not based on actual time spent for the nonpublic students as required. The School Corporation required amount of proportionate share for grant awards 21619-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP was $926, $1,913, and $1,009, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to 21611-047-PN01, 21619-047-PN01, 22611-047-PN01, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, there was confusion at the School Corporation as to whether the Cooperative or the School Corporation handled what portions of the nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Upon further inquiry, it was determined that the School Corporation handles the portion for the 611 grants by receiving funds from the Cooperative, and the Cooperative handles the 619 grants. However, proper time and effort logs were not maintained for expenditures used to meet the earmarking requirements; therefore, the School Corporation was not able to meet the required earmarking requirements. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For costs related to nonpublic schools, the practice of the Cooperative was to separate out the required amount for each member school from the Cooperative budget, and the member schools would work with the nonpublic schools to determine how to spend its proportionate share amount. Each member school would then request reimbursement from the Cooperative for nonpublic school expenditures incurred. This allowed both the Cooperative and member schools to maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies. In the initial sample of 25 expenditures, there was no noncompliance identified. However, while performing a review of transactions for the Period of Performance compliance requirement, it was noted that nonpublic schools received direct reimbursements from the Cooperative for its proportionate share expenditures. A total of 13 expenditures were made from special education funds to nonpublic schools on behalf of the member schools during the audit period. Of the 13 expenditures, 5, totaling $2,798, were made on behalf of the School Corporation to a nonpublic school. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 300.202(a) states: "General. Amounts provided to the LEA under Part B of the Act– (1) Must be expended in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part; (2) Must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section; and (3) Must be used to supplement State, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds." 34 CFR 300.208 states: "(a) Uses. Notwithstanding §§ 300.202, 300.203(b), and 300.162(b), funds provided to an LEA under Part B of the Act may be used for the following activities: (1) Services and aids that also benefit nondisabled children. For the costs of special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services, provided in a regular class or other education-related setting to a child with a disability in accordance with the IEP of the child, even if one or more nondisabled children benefit from these services. (2) Early intervening services. To develop and implement coordinated, early intervening educational services in accordance with § 300.226. (3) High cost special education and related services. To establish and implement cost or risk sharing funds, consortia, or cooperatives for the LEA itself, or for LEAs working in a consortium of which the LEA is a part, to pay for high cost special education and related services. (b) Administrative case management. An LEA may use funds received under Part B of the Act to purchase appropriate technology for recordkeeping, data collection, and related case management activities of teachers and related services personnel providing services described in the IEP of children with disabilities, that is needed for the implementation of those case management activities." 34 CFR 300.800 states: "The Secretary provides grants under section 619 of the Act to assist States to provide special education and related services in accordance with Part B of the Act– (a) To children with disabilities aged three through five years; and (b) At a State's discretion, to two-year-old children with disabilities who will turn three during the school year." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-9 states in part: "(a) The public agency must hold title to and exercise continuing administrative control of all: (1) property; (2) equipment; and (3) supplies; the public agency acquires with Part B funds for the benefit of nonpublic school students with disabilities. (b) The public agency may place equipment and supplies in a nonpublic school for the period of time needed to provide special education and related services. The public agency must ensure that the equipment and supplies: (1) are used only for the provision of special education and related services; and (2) can be removed from the nonpublic school without remodeling the nonpublic school facility." Cause Management was not aware that nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate or receive federal funds and that School Corporation must maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies; therefore, reimbursements were made to a nonpublic school for proportionate share expenditures. Effect The payment of proportionate share expenditures to a nonpublic school resulted in the potential misuse of funds that were meant to pay the excess costs of providing special education to students. The unallowable nature of these expenditures may also result in the School Corporation not meeting its requirements related to Non-Public Proportionate Share for the respective grants. Questioned Costs There were questioned costs identified in the amount of $17,857. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no direct reimbursements are made to the nonpublic schools and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For costs related to nonpublic schools, the practice of the Cooperative was to separate out the required amount for each member school from the Cooperative budget, and the member schools would work with the nonpublic schools to determine how to spend its proportionate share amount. Each member school would then request reimbursement from the Cooperative for nonpublic school expenditures incurred. This allowed both the Cooperative and member schools to maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies. In the initial sample of 25 expenditures, there was no noncompliance identified. However, while performing a review of transactions for the Period of Performance compliance requirement, it was noted that nonpublic schools received direct reimbursements from the Cooperative for its proportionate share expenditures. A total of 13 expenditures were made from special education funds to nonpublic schools on behalf of the member schools during the audit period. Of the 13 expenditures, 5, totaling $2,798, were made on behalf of the School Corporation to a nonpublic school. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 300.202(a) states: "General. Amounts provided to the LEA under Part B of the Act– (1) Must be expended in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part; (2) Must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section; and (3) Must be used to supplement State, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds." 34 CFR 300.208 states: "(a) Uses. Notwithstanding §§ 300.202, 300.203(b), and 300.162(b), funds provided to an LEA under Part B of the Act may be used for the following activities: (1) Services and aids that also benefit nondisabled children. For the costs of special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services, provided in a regular class or other education-related setting to a child with a disability in accordance with the IEP of the child, even if one or more nondisabled children benefit from these services. (2) Early intervening services. To develop and implement coordinated, early intervening educational services in accordance with § 300.226. (3) High cost special education and related services. To establish and implement cost or risk sharing funds, consortia, or cooperatives for the LEA itself, or for LEAs working in a consortium of which the LEA is a part, to pay for high cost special education and related services. (b) Administrative case management. An LEA may use funds received under Part B of the Act to purchase appropriate technology for recordkeeping, data collection, and related case management activities of teachers and related services personnel providing services described in the IEP of children with disabilities, that is needed for the implementation of those case management activities." 34 CFR 300.800 states: "The Secretary provides grants under section 619 of the Act to assist States to provide special education and related services in accordance with Part B of the Act– (a) To children with disabilities aged three through five years; and (b) At a State's discretion, to two-year-old children with disabilities who will turn three during the school year." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-9 states in part: "(a) The public agency must hold title to and exercise continuing administrative control of all: (1) property; (2) equipment; and (3) supplies; the public agency acquires with Part B funds for the benefit of nonpublic school students with disabilities. (b) The public agency may place equipment and supplies in a nonpublic school for the period of time needed to provide special education and related services. The public agency must ensure that the equipment and supplies: (1) are used only for the provision of special education and related services; and (2) can be removed from the nonpublic school without remodeling the nonpublic school facility." Cause Management was not aware that nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate or receive federal funds and that School Corporation must maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies; therefore, reimbursements were made to a nonpublic school for proportionate share expenditures. Effect The payment of proportionate share expenditures to a nonpublic school resulted in the potential misuse of funds that were meant to pay the excess costs of providing special education to students. The unallowable nature of these expenditures may also result in the School Corporation not meeting its requirements related to Non-Public Proportionate Share for the respective grants. Questioned Costs There were questioned costs identified in the amount of $17,857. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no direct reimbursements are made to the nonpublic schools and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For costs related to nonpublic schools, the practice of the Cooperative was to separate out the required amount for each member school from the Cooperative budget, and the member schools would work with the nonpublic schools to determine how to spend its proportionate share amount. Each member school would then request reimbursement from the Cooperative for nonpublic school expenditures incurred. This allowed both the Cooperative and member schools to maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies. In the initial sample of 25 expenditures, there was no noncompliance identified. However, while performing a review of transactions for the Period of Performance compliance requirement, it was noted that nonpublic schools received direct reimbursements from the Cooperative for its proportionate share expenditures. A total of 13 expenditures were made from special education funds to nonpublic schools on behalf of the member schools during the audit period. Of the 13 expenditures, 5, totaling $2,798, were made on behalf of the School Corporation to a nonpublic school. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 300.202(a) states: "General. Amounts provided to the LEA under Part B of the Act– (1) Must be expended in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part; (2) Must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section; and (3) Must be used to supplement State, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds." 34 CFR 300.208 states: "(a) Uses. Notwithstanding §§ 300.202, 300.203(b), and 300.162(b), funds provided to an LEA under Part B of the Act may be used for the following activities: (1) Services and aids that also benefit nondisabled children. For the costs of special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services, provided in a regular class or other education-related setting to a child with a disability in accordance with the IEP of the child, even if one or more nondisabled children benefit from these services. (2) Early intervening services. To develop and implement coordinated, early intervening educational services in accordance with § 300.226. (3) High cost special education and related services. To establish and implement cost or risk sharing funds, consortia, or cooperatives for the LEA itself, or for LEAs working in a consortium of which the LEA is a part, to pay for high cost special education and related services. (b) Administrative case management. An LEA may use funds received under Part B of the Act to purchase appropriate technology for recordkeeping, data collection, and related case management activities of teachers and related services personnel providing services described in the IEP of children with disabilities, that is needed for the implementation of those case management activities." 34 CFR 300.800 states: "The Secretary provides grants under section 619 of the Act to assist States to provide special education and related services in accordance with Part B of the Act– (a) To children with disabilities aged three through five years; and (b) At a State's discretion, to two-year-old children with disabilities who will turn three during the school year." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-9 states in part: "(a) The public agency must hold title to and exercise continuing administrative control of all: (1) property; (2) equipment; and (3) supplies; the public agency acquires with Part B funds for the benefit of nonpublic school students with disabilities. (b) The public agency may place equipment and supplies in a nonpublic school for the period of time needed to provide special education and related services. The public agency must ensure that the equipment and supplies: (1) are used only for the provision of special education and related services; and (2) can be removed from the nonpublic school without remodeling the nonpublic school facility." Cause Management was not aware that nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate or receive federal funds and that School Corporation must maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies; therefore, reimbursements were made to a nonpublic school for proportionate share expenditures. Effect The payment of proportionate share expenditures to a nonpublic school resulted in the potential misuse of funds that were meant to pay the excess costs of providing special education to students. The unallowable nature of these expenditures may also result in the School Corporation not meeting its requirements related to Non-Public Proportionate Share for the respective grants. Questioned Costs There were questioned costs identified in the amount of $17,857. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no direct reimbursements are made to the nonpublic schools and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For costs related to nonpublic schools, the practice of the Cooperative was to separate out the required amount for each member school from the Cooperative budget, and the member schools would work with the nonpublic schools to determine how to spend its proportionate share amount. Each member school would then request reimbursement from the Cooperative for nonpublic school expenditures incurred. This allowed both the Cooperative and member schools to maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies. In the initial sample of 25 expenditures, there was no noncompliance identified. However, while performing a review of transactions for the Period of Performance compliance requirement, it was noted that nonpublic schools received direct reimbursements from the Cooperative for its proportionate share expenditures. A total of 13 expenditures were made from special education funds to nonpublic schools on behalf of the member schools during the audit period. Of the 13 expenditures, 5, totaling $2,798, were made on behalf of the School Corporation to a nonpublic school. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 300.202(a) states: "General. Amounts provided to the LEA under Part B of the Act– (1) Must be expended in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part; (2) Must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section; and (3) Must be used to supplement State, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds." 34 CFR 300.208 states: "(a) Uses. Notwithstanding §§ 300.202, 300.203(b), and 300.162(b), funds provided to an LEA under Part B of the Act may be used for the following activities: (1) Services and aids that also benefit nondisabled children. For the costs of special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services, provided in a regular class or other education-related setting to a child with a disability in accordance with the IEP of the child, even if one or more nondisabled children benefit from these services. (2) Early intervening services. To develop and implement coordinated, early intervening educational services in accordance with § 300.226. (3) High cost special education and related services. To establish and implement cost or risk sharing funds, consortia, or cooperatives for the LEA itself, or for LEAs working in a consortium of which the LEA is a part, to pay for high cost special education and related services. (b) Administrative case management. An LEA may use funds received under Part B of the Act to purchase appropriate technology for recordkeeping, data collection, and related case management activities of teachers and related services personnel providing services described in the IEP of children with disabilities, that is needed for the implementation of those case management activities." 34 CFR 300.800 states: "The Secretary provides grants under section 619 of the Act to assist States to provide special education and related services in accordance with Part B of the Act– (a) To children with disabilities aged three through five years; and (b) At a State's discretion, to two-year-old children with disabilities who will turn three during the school year." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-9 states in part: "(a) The public agency must hold title to and exercise continuing administrative control of all: (1) property; (2) equipment; and (3) supplies; the public agency acquires with Part B funds for the benefit of nonpublic school students with disabilities. (b) The public agency may place equipment and supplies in a nonpublic school for the period of time needed to provide special education and related services. The public agency must ensure that the equipment and supplies: (1) are used only for the provision of special education and related services; and (2) can be removed from the nonpublic school without remodeling the nonpublic school facility." Cause Management was not aware that nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate or receive federal funds and that School Corporation must maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies; therefore, reimbursements were made to a nonpublic school for proportionate share expenditures. Effect The payment of proportionate share expenditures to a nonpublic school resulted in the potential misuse of funds that were meant to pay the excess costs of providing special education to students. The unallowable nature of these expenditures may also result in the School Corporation not meeting its requirements related to Non-Public Proportionate Share for the respective grants. Questioned Costs There were questioned costs identified in the amount of $17,857. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no direct reimbursements are made to the nonpublic schools and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For costs related to nonpublic schools, the practice of the Cooperative was to separate out the required amount for each member school from the Cooperative budget, and the member schools would work with the nonpublic schools to determine how to spend its proportionate share amount. Each member school would then request reimbursement from the Cooperative for nonpublic school expenditures incurred. This allowed both the Cooperative and member schools to maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies. In the initial sample of 25 expenditures, there was no noncompliance identified. However, while performing a review of transactions for the Period of Performance compliance requirement, it was noted that nonpublic schools received direct reimbursements from the Cooperative for its proportionate share expenditures. A total of 13 expenditures were made from special education funds to nonpublic schools on behalf of the member schools during the audit period. Of the 13 expenditures, 5, totaling $2,798, were made on behalf of the School Corporation to a nonpublic school. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 300.202(a) states: "General. Amounts provided to the LEA under Part B of the Act– (1) Must be expended in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part; (2) Must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section; and (3) Must be used to supplement State, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds." 34 CFR 300.208 states: "(a) Uses. Notwithstanding §§ 300.202, 300.203(b), and 300.162(b), funds provided to an LEA under Part B of the Act may be used for the following activities: (1) Services and aids that also benefit nondisabled children. For the costs of special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services, provided in a regular class or other education-related setting to a child with a disability in accordance with the IEP of the child, even if one or more nondisabled children benefit from these services. (2) Early intervening services. To develop and implement coordinated, early intervening educational services in accordance with § 300.226. (3) High cost special education and related services. To establish and implement cost or risk sharing funds, consortia, or cooperatives for the LEA itself, or for LEAs working in a consortium of which the LEA is a part, to pay for high cost special education and related services. (b) Administrative case management. An LEA may use funds received under Part B of the Act to purchase appropriate technology for recordkeeping, data collection, and related case management activities of teachers and related services personnel providing services described in the IEP of children with disabilities, that is needed for the implementation of those case management activities." 34 CFR 300.800 states: "The Secretary provides grants under section 619 of the Act to assist States to provide special education and related services in accordance with Part B of the Act– (a) To children with disabilities aged three through five years; and (b) At a State's discretion, to two-year-old children with disabilities who will turn three during the school year." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-9 states in part: "(a) The public agency must hold title to and exercise continuing administrative control of all: (1) property; (2) equipment; and (3) supplies; the public agency acquires with Part B funds for the benefit of nonpublic school students with disabilities. (b) The public agency may place equipment and supplies in a nonpublic school for the period of time needed to provide special education and related services. The public agency must ensure that the equipment and supplies: (1) are used only for the provision of special education and related services; and (2) can be removed from the nonpublic school without remodeling the nonpublic school facility." Cause Management was not aware that nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate or receive federal funds and that School Corporation must maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies; therefore, reimbursements were made to a nonpublic school for proportionate share expenditures. Effect The payment of proportionate share expenditures to a nonpublic school resulted in the potential misuse of funds that were meant to pay the excess costs of providing special education to students. The unallowable nature of these expenditures may also result in the School Corporation not meeting its requirements related to Non-Public Proportionate Share for the respective grants. Questioned Costs There were questioned costs identified in the amount of $17,857. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no direct reimbursements are made to the nonpublic schools and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For costs related to nonpublic schools, the practice of the Cooperative was to separate out the required amount for each member school from the Cooperative budget, and the member schools would work with the nonpublic schools to determine how to spend its proportionate share amount. Each member school would then request reimbursement from the Cooperative for nonpublic school expenditures incurred. This allowed both the Cooperative and member schools to maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies. In the initial sample of 25 expenditures, there was no noncompliance identified. However, while performing a review of transactions for the Period of Performance compliance requirement, it was noted that nonpublic schools received direct reimbursements from the Cooperative for its proportionate share expenditures. A total of 13 expenditures were made from special education funds to nonpublic schools on behalf of the member schools during the audit period. Of the 13 expenditures, 5, totaling $2,798, were made on behalf of the School Corporation to a nonpublic school. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 300.202(a) states: "General. Amounts provided to the LEA under Part B of the Act– (1) Must be expended in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part; (2) Must be used only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section; and (3) Must be used to supplement State, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds." 34 CFR 300.208 states: "(a) Uses. Notwithstanding §§ 300.202, 300.203(b), and 300.162(b), funds provided to an LEA under Part B of the Act may be used for the following activities: (1) Services and aids that also benefit nondisabled children. For the costs of special education and related services, and supplementary aids and services, provided in a regular class or other education-related setting to a child with a disability in accordance with the IEP of the child, even if one or more nondisabled children benefit from these services. (2) Early intervening services. To develop and implement coordinated, early intervening educational services in accordance with § 300.226. (3) High cost special education and related services. To establish and implement cost or risk sharing funds, consortia, or cooperatives for the LEA itself, or for LEAs working in a consortium of which the LEA is a part, to pay for high cost special education and related services. (b) Administrative case management. An LEA may use funds received under Part B of the Act to purchase appropriate technology for recordkeeping, data collection, and related case management activities of teachers and related services personnel providing services described in the IEP of children with disabilities, that is needed for the implementation of those case management activities." 34 CFR 300.800 states: "The Secretary provides grants under section 619 of the Act to assist States to provide special education and related services in accordance with Part B of the Act– (a) To children with disabilities aged three through five years; and (b) At a State's discretion, to two-year-old children with disabilities who will turn three during the school year." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-9 states in part: "(a) The public agency must hold title to and exercise continuing administrative control of all: (1) property; (2) equipment; and (3) supplies; the public agency acquires with Part B funds for the benefit of nonpublic school students with disabilities. (b) The public agency may place equipment and supplies in a nonpublic school for the period of time needed to provide special education and related services. The public agency must ensure that the equipment and supplies: (1) are used only for the provision of special education and related services; and (2) can be removed from the nonpublic school without remodeling the nonpublic school facility." Cause Management was not aware that nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate or receive federal funds and that School Corporation must maintain control of all special education funds, property, equipment, and supplies; therefore, reimbursements were made to a nonpublic school for proportionate share expenditures. Effect The payment of proportionate share expenditures to a nonpublic school resulted in the potential misuse of funds that were meant to pay the excess costs of providing special education to students. The unallowable nature of these expenditures may also result in the School Corporation not meeting its requirements related to Non-Public Proportionate Share for the respective grants. Questioned Costs There were questioned costs identified in the amount of $17,857. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no direct reimbursements are made to the nonpublic schools and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During fiscal year 2023-2024, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of 5 transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 34 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrantee funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for– . . . (a) Acquisition of real or personal property. . . . The obligation is made– On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding reimbursed that was incurred outside of the period of performance will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.