FINDING 2024-003
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Earmarking
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
Local educational agencies that receive funds under the American Rescue Plan - Elementary and
Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) are to reserve not less than 20 percent of the funds
to address learning loss through the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer
learning or summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive afterschool programs, or extended school
year programs, and ensure that such interventions respond to students' academic, social, and emotional
needs and address the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on the student subgroups. This
requirement was set out in the enabling legislation for the funds and further implemented in the Education
Stabilization Relief Fund Application III, which the School Corporation was required to complete for its
award.
As the School Corporation fully expended its ESSER III award during the audit period, earmarking
was tested. The School Corporation, per its application, was required to set aside a total of $347,573 of
ESSER III grant funds to be used to provide additional opportunities to students including summer school,
career coach, and a social emotional academic learning liaison. Of the grant proceeds received by the
School Corporation, the School Corporation budgeted the full amount for learning loss; however, the School
Corporation could not provide a list of expenditures to account for the budgeted amount being spent for
learning loss. There is no way to determine if expenditures were properly used for learning loss, as there
are no expenditures to test.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III grant noted above.
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 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust
specific Federal award conditions as needed. . . ."
Section 2001(e)(1) of the ARP Act states in part:
"A local educational agency that receives funds under this section—
1. shall reserve not less than 20 percent of such funds to address learning loss through
the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning or
summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive afterschool programs, or extended
school year programs, and ensure that such interventions respond to students'
academic, social, and emotional needs and address the disproportionate impact of the
coronavirus on the student subgroups . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the required set-aside was not spent by the School Corporation.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure required earmarking requirements are met.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Earmarking
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
Local educational agencies that receive funds under the American Rescue Plan - Elementary and
Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) are to reserve not less than 20 percent of the funds
to address learning loss through the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer
learning or summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive afterschool programs, or extended school
year programs, and ensure that such interventions respond to students' academic, social, and emotional
needs and address the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on the student subgroups. This
requirement was set out in the enabling legislation for the funds and further implemented in the Education
Stabilization Relief Fund Application III, which the School Corporation was required to complete for its
award.
As the School Corporation fully expended its ESSER III award during the audit period, earmarking
was tested. The School Corporation, per its application, was required to set aside a total of $347,573 of
ESSER III grant funds to be used to provide additional opportunities to students including summer school,
career coach, and a social emotional academic learning liaison. Of the grant proceeds received by the
School Corporation, the School Corporation budgeted the full amount for learning loss; however, the School
Corporation could not provide a list of expenditures to account for the budgeted amount being spent for
learning loss. There is no way to determine if expenditures were properly used for learning loss, as there
are no expenditures to test.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III grant noted above.
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 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust
specific Federal award conditions as needed. . . ."
Section 2001(e)(1) of the ARP Act states in part:
"A local educational agency that receives funds under this section—
1. shall reserve not less than 20 percent of such funds to address learning loss through
the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning or
summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive afterschool programs, or extended
school year programs, and ensure that such interventions respond to students'
academic, social, and emotional needs and address the disproportionate impact of the
coronavirus on the student subgroups . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the required set-aside was not spent by the School Corporation.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure required earmarking requirements are met.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425U, 84.425D
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 7000S425U210013, S425D200013,
S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
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
An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at
the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement
and the following compliance requirements: Reporting.
The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department
of Education via JotForm. Data to be submitted includes, but not limited to, current period expenditures,
prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. Additionally, the School Corporation was required
to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via the 3E LEA ESSER III American
Rescue Plan Annual Performance Report (Annual Performance Reports). Data to be submitted includes,
but is not limited to, current period expenditures and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted the 2021-2022 data report for
ESSER I - Year 3, ESSER II - Year 2, ESSER III - Year 2, and 2022-2023 data report for ESSER II - Year
3 and ESSER III - Year 3. The reports were prepared by one employee and reviewed by another employee;
however, the established internal control did not allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of
errors prior to submission.
The ESSER III - Year 3 report which should have covered the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30,
2023, covered the prior year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) data information. Also, the expenditures
reported in the ESSER I - Year 3 and ESSER III - Year 2 submissions did not agree to underlying supporting
documentation.
Additionally, an internal control was not designed or implemented over submission of the Annual
Performance Reports. The Annual Performance Reports were prepared by one employee without a
documented oversight and review process to allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of errors
prior to submission.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
Management did not develop a system of internal controls that ensured that reports submitted were
for the correct activity period and supported by underlying accounting records.
Effect
Reports submitted to the Federal Grantor Agency did not accurately reflect the expenditure
activity of the School Corporation for the reporting periods as noted in the Condition and Context above.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal
controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed
above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate
effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a
compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely
basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of
duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to
have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of
segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate,
approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The internal controls should also have documentation
to evidence that the control was in place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425U, 84.425D
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 7000S425U210013, S425D200013,
S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
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
An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at
the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement
and the following compliance requirements: Reporting.
The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department
of Education via JotForm. Data to be submitted includes, but not limited to, current period expenditures,
prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. Additionally, the School Corporation was required
to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via the 3E LEA ESSER III American
Rescue Plan Annual Performance Report (Annual Performance Reports). Data to be submitted includes,
but is not limited to, current period expenditures and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted the 2021-2022 data report for
ESSER I - Year 3, ESSER II - Year 2, ESSER III - Year 2, and 2022-2023 data report for ESSER II - Year
3 and ESSER III - Year 3. The reports were prepared by one employee and reviewed by another employee;
however, the established internal control did not allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of
errors prior to submission.
The ESSER III - Year 3 report which should have covered the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30,
2023, covered the prior year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) data information. Also, the expenditures
reported in the ESSER I - Year 3 and ESSER III - Year 2 submissions did not agree to underlying supporting
documentation.
Additionally, an internal control was not designed or implemented over submission of the Annual
Performance Reports. The Annual Performance Reports were prepared by one employee without a
documented oversight and review process to allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of errors
prior to submission.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
Management did not develop a system of internal controls that ensured that reports submitted were
for the correct activity period and supported by underlying accounting records.
Effect
Reports submitted to the Federal Grantor Agency did not accurately reflect the expenditure
activity of the School Corporation for the reporting periods as noted in the Condition and Context above.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal
controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed
above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate
effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a
compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely
basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of
duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to
have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of
segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate,
approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The internal controls should also have documentation
to evidence that the control was in place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425U, 84.425D
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 7000S425U210013, S425D200013,
S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
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
An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at
the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement
and the following compliance requirements: Reporting.
The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department
of Education via JotForm. Data to be submitted includes, but not limited to, current period expenditures,
prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. Additionally, the School Corporation was required
to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via the 3E LEA ESSER III American
Rescue Plan Annual Performance Report (Annual Performance Reports). Data to be submitted includes,
but is not limited to, current period expenditures and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted the 2021-2022 data report for
ESSER I - Year 3, ESSER II - Year 2, ESSER III - Year 2, and 2022-2023 data report for ESSER II - Year
3 and ESSER III - Year 3. The reports were prepared by one employee and reviewed by another employee;
however, the established internal control did not allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of
errors prior to submission.
The ESSER III - Year 3 report which should have covered the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30,
2023, covered the prior year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) data information. Also, the expenditures
reported in the ESSER I - Year 3 and ESSER III - Year 2 submissions did not agree to underlying supporting
documentation.
Additionally, an internal control was not designed or implemented over submission of the Annual
Performance Reports. The Annual Performance Reports were prepared by one employee without a
documented oversight and review process to allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of errors
prior to submission.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
Management did not develop a system of internal controls that ensured that reports submitted were
for the correct activity period and supported by underlying accounting records.
Effect
Reports submitted to the Federal Grantor Agency did not accurately reflect the expenditure
activity of the School Corporation for the reporting periods as noted in the Condition and Context above.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal
controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed
above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate
effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a
compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely
basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of
duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to
have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of
segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate,
approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The internal controls should also have documentation
to evidence that the control was in place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425U, 84.425D
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 7000S425U210013, S425D200013,
S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
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
An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at
the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement
and the following compliance requirements: Reporting.
The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department
of Education via JotForm. Data to be submitted includes, but not limited to, current period expenditures,
prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. Additionally, the School Corporation was required
to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via the 3E LEA ESSER III American
Rescue Plan Annual Performance Report (Annual Performance Reports). Data to be submitted includes,
but is not limited to, current period expenditures and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted the 2021-2022 data report for
ESSER I - Year 3, ESSER II - Year 2, ESSER III - Year 2, and 2022-2023 data report for ESSER II - Year
3 and ESSER III - Year 3. The reports were prepared by one employee and reviewed by another employee;
however, the established internal control did not allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of
errors prior to submission.
The ESSER III - Year 3 report which should have covered the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30,
2023, covered the prior year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) data information. Also, the expenditures
reported in the ESSER I - Year 3 and ESSER III - Year 2 submissions did not agree to underlying supporting
documentation.
Additionally, an internal control was not designed or implemented over submission of the Annual
Performance Reports. The Annual Performance Reports were prepared by one employee without a
documented oversight and review process to allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of errors
prior to submission.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
Management did not develop a system of internal controls that ensured that reports submitted were
for the correct activity period and supported by underlying accounting records.
Effect
Reports submitted to the Federal Grantor Agency did not accurately reflect the expenditure
activity of the School Corporation for the reporting periods as noted in the Condition and Context above.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal
controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed
above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate
effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a
compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely
basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of
duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to
have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of
segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate,
approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The internal controls should also have documentation
to evidence that the control was in place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425U, 84.425D
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 7000S425U210013, S425D200013,
S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
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
An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at
the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement
and the following compliance requirements: Reporting.
The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department
of Education via JotForm. Data to be submitted includes, but not limited to, current period expenditures,
prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. Additionally, the School Corporation was required
to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via the 3E LEA ESSER III American
Rescue Plan Annual Performance Report (Annual Performance Reports). Data to be submitted includes,
but is not limited to, current period expenditures and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted the 2021-2022 data report for
ESSER I - Year 3, ESSER II - Year 2, ESSER III - Year 2, and 2022-2023 data report for ESSER II - Year
3 and ESSER III - Year 3. The reports were prepared by one employee and reviewed by another employee;
however, the established internal control did not allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of
errors prior to submission.
The ESSER III - Year 3 report which should have covered the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30,
2023, covered the prior year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) data information. Also, the expenditures
reported in the ESSER I - Year 3 and ESSER III - Year 2 submissions did not agree to underlying supporting
documentation.
Additionally, an internal control was not designed or implemented over submission of the Annual
Performance Reports. The Annual Performance Reports were prepared by one employee without a
documented oversight and review process to allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of errors
prior to submission.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
Management did not develop a system of internal controls that ensured that reports submitted were
for the correct activity period and supported by underlying accounting records.
Effect
Reports submitted to the Federal Grantor Agency did not accurately reflect the expenditure
activity of the School Corporation for the reporting periods as noted in the Condition and Context above.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal
controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed
above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate
effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a
compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely
basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of
duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to
have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of
segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate,
approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The internal controls should also have documentation
to evidence that the control was in place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425U, 84.425D
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 7000S425U210013, S425D200013,
S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
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
An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at
the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement
and the following compliance requirements: Reporting.
The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department
of Education via JotForm. Data to be submitted includes, but not limited to, current period expenditures,
prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. Additionally, the School Corporation was required
to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via the 3E LEA ESSER III American
Rescue Plan Annual Performance Report (Annual Performance Reports). Data to be submitted includes,
but is not limited to, current period expenditures and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted the 2021-2022 data report for
ESSER I - Year 3, ESSER II - Year 2, ESSER III - Year 2, and 2022-2023 data report for ESSER II - Year
3 and ESSER III - Year 3. The reports were prepared by one employee and reviewed by another employee;
however, the established internal control did not allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of
errors prior to submission.
The ESSER III - Year 3 report which should have covered the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30,
2023, covered the prior year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) data information. Also, the expenditures
reported in the ESSER I - Year 3 and ESSER III - Year 2 submissions did not agree to underlying supporting
documentation.
Additionally, an internal control was not designed or implemented over submission of the Annual
Performance Reports. The Annual Performance Reports were prepared by one employee without a
documented oversight and review process to allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of errors
prior to submission.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
Management did not develop a system of internal controls that ensured that reports submitted were
for the correct activity period and supported by underlying accounting records.
Effect
Reports submitted to the Federal Grantor Agency did not accurately reflect the expenditure
activity of the School Corporation for the reporting periods as noted in the Condition and Context above.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal
controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed
above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate
effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a
compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely
basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of
duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to
have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of
segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate,
approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The internal controls should also have documentation
to evidence that the control was in place.
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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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)- Earmarking
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): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation is a member of the Wabash-Miami Area Programs for Exceptional Children
(Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were 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 internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative 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 member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award
numbers 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-ARP.
Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures for
each member school were determined by applying a percentage based on the total grant award to the
nonpublic school total expenditures.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 21611-054-PN01,
22611-054-PN01, 22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP, and 22619-054-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 inquiry of management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic
proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. The Cooperative did implement new
processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by each member school starting with the
2024 grants, and these grants were still ongoing during the audit period.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently,
the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures but rather a
percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately
reported to the oversight agency.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would
require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school. 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 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Level of Effort
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-054-PN01, 22611-054-PN01,
22619-054-PN01, 22611-054-ARP,
22619-054-ARP, 23611-054-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation was required to submit a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Maintenance of
Effort (MOE) Calculator workbook to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year beginning with
the fiscal year 2021-2022 grant. The MOE was based on the expenditure information submitted on the
Form 9 for the prior fiscal year. The Form 9 (financial) data was submitted by the School Corporation to
the IDOE semiannually. The data reported included the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during
that period. To verify amounts used in their computation were derived from the books and records of the
School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they were properly classified as to fund, account, and
object code and reported correctly on the Form 9.
In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, 25 transactions were sampled each year to ensure the disbursements
were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code. For 5 of the 25 transactions selected in
2020-2021, as well as 4 of the 25 transactions selected in 2021-2022, appropriate supporting documentation
was not provided for audit. As a result, the 9 disbursements could not be verified as to whether
they were posted to the proper fund, account, and object code.
The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to support the calculation for Level
of Effort included within the grant applications. In addition, the expenditure categories were not consistent
with the prior grant application, and several of the expenditure categories reported did not agree to the
financial records.
The School Corporation did not have an oversight process in place to ensure that expenditures
were classified properly to the correct fund, account, and object codes.
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 300.203 states in part:
"(a) Eligibility Standard.
(1) For purposes of establishing the LEA's eligibility for an award for a fiscal year, the SEA
must determine that the LEA budgets, for the education of children with disabilities, at
least the same amount, from at least one of the following sources, as the LEA spent
for that purpose from the same source for the most recent fiscal year for which
information is available:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . .
(b) Compliance Standard.
(1) Except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205, funds provided to an LEA under Part
B of the Act must not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of
children with disabilities made by the LEA from local funds below the level of those
expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) An LEA meets this standard if it does not reduce the level of expenditures for the
education of children with disabilities made by the LEA from at least one of the following
sources below the level of those expenditures from the same source for the preceding
fiscal year, except as provided in §§ 300.204 and 300.205:
(i) Local funds only;
(ii) The combination of State and local funds;
(iii) Local funds only on a per capita basis; or
(iv) The combination of State and local funds on a per capita basis. . . ."
Cause
The school has updated its financial system and can't produce reports from the time period tested
to verify the expenditures were properly classified.
Effect
The School Corporation could have classified expenditures improperly and the MOE calculation
could be incorrect.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper
system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to
ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place to ensure compliance.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Earmarking
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
Local educational agencies that receive funds under the American Rescue Plan - Elementary and
Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) are to reserve not less than 20 percent of the funds
to address learning loss through the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer
learning or summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive afterschool programs, or extended school
year programs, and ensure that such interventions respond to students' academic, social, and emotional
needs and address the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on the student subgroups. This
requirement was set out in the enabling legislation for the funds and further implemented in the Education
Stabilization Relief Fund Application III, which the School Corporation was required to complete for its
award.
As the School Corporation fully expended its ESSER III award during the audit period, earmarking
was tested. The School Corporation, per its application, was required to set aside a total of $347,573 of
ESSER III grant funds to be used to provide additional opportunities to students including summer school,
career coach, and a social emotional academic learning liaison. Of the grant proceeds received by the
School Corporation, the School Corporation budgeted the full amount for learning loss; however, the School
Corporation could not provide a list of expenditures to account for the budgeted amount being spent for
learning loss. There is no way to determine if expenditures were properly used for learning loss, as there
are no expenditures to test.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III grant noted above.
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 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust
specific Federal award conditions as needed. . . ."
Section 2001(e)(1) of the ARP Act states in part:
"A local educational agency that receives funds under this section—
1. shall reserve not less than 20 percent of such funds to address learning loss through
the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning or
summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive afterschool programs, or extended
school year programs, and ensure that such interventions respond to students'
academic, social, and emotional needs and address the disproportionate impact of the
coronavirus on the student subgroups . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the required set-aside was not spent by the School Corporation.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure required earmarking requirements are met.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Earmarking
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
Local educational agencies that receive funds under the American Rescue Plan - Elementary and
Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) are to reserve not less than 20 percent of the funds
to address learning loss through the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer
learning or summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive afterschool programs, or extended school
year programs, and ensure that such interventions respond to students' academic, social, and emotional
needs and address the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on the student subgroups. This
requirement was set out in the enabling legislation for the funds and further implemented in the Education
Stabilization Relief Fund Application III, which the School Corporation was required to complete for its
award.
As the School Corporation fully expended its ESSER III award during the audit period, earmarking
was tested. The School Corporation, per its application, was required to set aside a total of $347,573 of
ESSER III grant funds to be used to provide additional opportunities to students including summer school,
career coach, and a social emotional academic learning liaison. Of the grant proceeds received by the
School Corporation, the School Corporation budgeted the full amount for learning loss; however, the School
Corporation could not provide a list of expenditures to account for the budgeted amount being spent for
learning loss. There is no way to determine if expenditures were properly used for learning loss, as there
are no expenditures to test.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER III grant noted above.
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 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust
specific Federal award conditions as needed. . . ."
Section 2001(e)(1) of the ARP Act states in part:
"A local educational agency that receives funds under this section—
1. shall reserve not less than 20 percent of such funds to address learning loss through
the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning or
summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive afterschool programs, or extended
school year programs, and ensure that such interventions respond to students'
academic, social, and emotional needs and address the disproportionate impact of the
coronavirus on the student subgroups . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the
internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance. As a result, the required set-aside was not spent by the School Corporation.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure required earmarking requirements are met.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425U, 84.425D
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 7000S425U210013, S425D200013,
S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
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
An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at
the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement
and the following compliance requirements: Reporting.
The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department
of Education via JotForm. Data to be submitted includes, but not limited to, current period expenditures,
prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. Additionally, the School Corporation was required
to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via the 3E LEA ESSER III American
Rescue Plan Annual Performance Report (Annual Performance Reports). Data to be submitted includes,
but is not limited to, current period expenditures and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted the 2021-2022 data report for
ESSER I - Year 3, ESSER II - Year 2, ESSER III - Year 2, and 2022-2023 data report for ESSER II - Year
3 and ESSER III - Year 3. The reports were prepared by one employee and reviewed by another employee;
however, the established internal control did not allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of
errors prior to submission.
The ESSER III - Year 3 report which should have covered the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30,
2023, covered the prior year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) data information. Also, the expenditures
reported in the ESSER I - Year 3 and ESSER III - Year 2 submissions did not agree to underlying supporting
documentation.
Additionally, an internal control was not designed or implemented over submission of the Annual
Performance Reports. The Annual Performance Reports were prepared by one employee without a
documented oversight and review process to allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of errors
prior to submission.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
Management did not develop a system of internal controls that ensured that reports submitted were
for the correct activity period and supported by underlying accounting records.
Effect
Reports submitted to the Federal Grantor Agency did not accurately reflect the expenditure
activity of the School Corporation for the reporting periods as noted in the Condition and Context above.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal
controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed
above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate
effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a
compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely
basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of
duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to
have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of
segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate,
approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The internal controls should also have documentation
to evidence that the control was in place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425U, 84.425D
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 7000S425U210013, S425D200013,
S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
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
An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at
the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement
and the following compliance requirements: Reporting.
The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department
of Education via JotForm. Data to be submitted includes, but not limited to, current period expenditures,
prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. Additionally, the School Corporation was required
to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via the 3E LEA ESSER III American
Rescue Plan Annual Performance Report (Annual Performance Reports). Data to be submitted includes,
but is not limited to, current period expenditures and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted the 2021-2022 data report for
ESSER I - Year 3, ESSER II - Year 2, ESSER III - Year 2, and 2022-2023 data report for ESSER II - Year
3 and ESSER III - Year 3. The reports were prepared by one employee and reviewed by another employee;
however, the established internal control did not allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of
errors prior to submission.
The ESSER III - Year 3 report which should have covered the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30,
2023, covered the prior year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) data information. Also, the expenditures
reported in the ESSER I - Year 3 and ESSER III - Year 2 submissions did not agree to underlying supporting
documentation.
Additionally, an internal control was not designed or implemented over submission of the Annual
Performance Reports. The Annual Performance Reports were prepared by one employee without a
documented oversight and review process to allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of errors
prior to submission.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
Management did not develop a system of internal controls that ensured that reports submitted were
for the correct activity period and supported by underlying accounting records.
Effect
Reports submitted to the Federal Grantor Agency did not accurately reflect the expenditure
activity of the School Corporation for the reporting periods as noted in the Condition and Context above.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal
controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed
above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate
effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a
compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely
basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of
duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to
have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of
segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate,
approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The internal controls should also have documentation
to evidence that the control was in place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425U, 84.425D
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 7000S425U210013, S425D200013,
S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
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
An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at
the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement
and the following compliance requirements: Reporting.
The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department
of Education via JotForm. Data to be submitted includes, but not limited to, current period expenditures,
prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. Additionally, the School Corporation was required
to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via the 3E LEA ESSER III American
Rescue Plan Annual Performance Report (Annual Performance Reports). Data to be submitted includes,
but is not limited to, current period expenditures and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted the 2021-2022 data report for
ESSER I - Year 3, ESSER II - Year 2, ESSER III - Year 2, and 2022-2023 data report for ESSER II - Year
3 and ESSER III - Year 3. The reports were prepared by one employee and reviewed by another employee;
however, the established internal control did not allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of
errors prior to submission.
The ESSER III - Year 3 report which should have covered the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30,
2023, covered the prior year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) data information. Also, the expenditures
reported in the ESSER I - Year 3 and ESSER III - Year 2 submissions did not agree to underlying supporting
documentation.
Additionally, an internal control was not designed or implemented over submission of the Annual
Performance Reports. The Annual Performance Reports were prepared by one employee without a
documented oversight and review process to allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of errors
prior to submission.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
Management did not develop a system of internal controls that ensured that reports submitted were
for the correct activity period and supported by underlying accounting records.
Effect
Reports submitted to the Federal Grantor Agency did not accurately reflect the expenditure
activity of the School Corporation for the reporting periods as noted in the Condition and Context above.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal
controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed
above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate
effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a
compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely
basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of
duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to
have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of
segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate,
approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The internal controls should also have documentation
to evidence that the control was in place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425U, 84.425D
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 7000S425U210013, S425D200013,
S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
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
An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at
the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement
and the following compliance requirements: Reporting.
The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department
of Education via JotForm. Data to be submitted includes, but not limited to, current period expenditures,
prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. Additionally, the School Corporation was required
to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via the 3E LEA ESSER III American
Rescue Plan Annual Performance Report (Annual Performance Reports). Data to be submitted includes,
but is not limited to, current period expenditures and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted the 2021-2022 data report for
ESSER I - Year 3, ESSER II - Year 2, ESSER III - Year 2, and 2022-2023 data report for ESSER II - Year
3 and ESSER III - Year 3. The reports were prepared by one employee and reviewed by another employee;
however, the established internal control did not allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of
errors prior to submission.
The ESSER III - Year 3 report which should have covered the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30,
2023, covered the prior year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) data information. Also, the expenditures
reported in the ESSER I - Year 3 and ESSER III - Year 2 submissions did not agree to underlying supporting
documentation.
Additionally, an internal control was not designed or implemented over submission of the Annual
Performance Reports. The Annual Performance Reports were prepared by one employee without a
documented oversight and review process to allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of errors
prior to submission.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
Management did not develop a system of internal controls that ensured that reports submitted were
for the correct activity period and supported by underlying accounting records.
Effect
Reports submitted to the Federal Grantor Agency did not accurately reflect the expenditure
activity of the School Corporation for the reporting periods as noted in the Condition and Context above.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal
controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed
above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate
effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a
compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely
basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of
duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to
have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of
segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate,
approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The internal controls should also have documentation
to evidence that the control was in place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425U, 84.425D
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 7000S425U210013, S425D200013,
S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
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
An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at
the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement
and the following compliance requirements: Reporting.
The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department
of Education via JotForm. Data to be submitted includes, but not limited to, current period expenditures,
prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. Additionally, the School Corporation was required
to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via the 3E LEA ESSER III American
Rescue Plan Annual Performance Report (Annual Performance Reports). Data to be submitted includes,
but is not limited to, current period expenditures and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted the 2021-2022 data report for
ESSER I - Year 3, ESSER II - Year 2, ESSER III - Year 2, and 2022-2023 data report for ESSER II - Year
3 and ESSER III - Year 3. The reports were prepared by one employee and reviewed by another employee;
however, the established internal control did not allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of
errors prior to submission.
The ESSER III - Year 3 report which should have covered the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30,
2023, covered the prior year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) data information. Also, the expenditures
reported in the ESSER I - Year 3 and ESSER III - Year 2 submissions did not agree to underlying supporting
documentation.
Additionally, an internal control was not designed or implemented over submission of the Annual
Performance Reports. The Annual Performance Reports were prepared by one employee without a
documented oversight and review process to allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of errors
prior to submission.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
Management did not develop a system of internal controls that ensured that reports submitted were
for the correct activity period and supported by underlying accounting records.
Effect
Reports submitted to the Federal Grantor Agency did not accurately reflect the expenditure
activity of the School Corporation for the reporting periods as noted in the Condition and Context above.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal
controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed
above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate
effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a
compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely
basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of
duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to
have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of
segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate,
approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The internal controls should also have documentation
to evidence that the control was in place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425U, 84.425D
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 7000S425U210013, S425D200013,
S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
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
An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at
the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement
and the following compliance requirements: Reporting.
The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department
of Education via JotForm. Data to be submitted includes, but not limited to, current period expenditures,
prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. Additionally, the School Corporation was required
to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via the 3E LEA ESSER III American
Rescue Plan Annual Performance Report (Annual Performance Reports). Data to be submitted includes,
but is not limited to, current period expenditures and expenditures per activity.
During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted the 2021-2022 data report for
ESSER I - Year 3, ESSER II - Year 2, ESSER III - Year 2, and 2022-2023 data report for ESSER II - Year
3 and ESSER III - Year 3. The reports were prepared by one employee and reviewed by another employee;
however, the established internal control did not allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of
errors prior to submission.
The ESSER III - Year 3 report which should have covered the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30,
2023, covered the prior year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) data information. Also, the expenditures
reported in the ESSER I - Year 3 and ESSER III - Year 2 submissions did not agree to underlying supporting
documentation.
Additionally, an internal control was not designed or implemented over submission of the Annual
Performance Reports. The Annual Performance Reports were prepared by one employee without a
documented oversight and review process to allow for the prevention, or detection and correction, of errors
prior to submission.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
Cause
Management did not develop a system of internal controls that ensured that reports submitted were
for the correct activity period and supported by underlying accounting records.
Effect
Reports submitted to the Federal Grantor Agency did not accurately reflect the expenditure
activity of the School Corporation for the reporting periods as noted in the Condition and Context above.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal
controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed
above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate
effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a
compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely
basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of
duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to
have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of
segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate,
approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The internal controls should also have documentation
to evidence that the control was in place.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.