Audit 361683

FY End
2024-08-31
Total Expended
$3.66M
Findings
10
Programs
14
Organization: Royal School District No. 160 (WA)
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2025-07-08

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
570664 2024-001 Material Weakness - B
570665 2024-001 Material Weakness - B
570666 2024-001 Material Weakness - B
570667 2024-001 Material Weakness - B
570668 2024-001 Material Weakness - B
1147106 2024-001 Material Weakness - B
1147107 2024-001 Material Weakness - B
1147108 2024-001 Material Weakness - B
1147109 2024-001 Material Weakness - B
1147110 2024-001 Material Weakness - B

Contacts

Name Title Type
Y46MSRARQ7P5 Lory Benavidez Auditee
5093462222 Amy Bunger Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Note 3 - Noncash Awards Accounting Policies: The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is prepared on the same basis of accounting as the District's financial statements. The district uses the modified accrual basis of accounting in accordance with the Accounting Manual for Public School Districts in the State of Washington . Expenditures represent only the federally funded portions of the program. District records should be consulted to determine amounts expended or matched from non-federal sources. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The District has not elected to use the 10-percent de minimus indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The District used the federal restricted rate of 1.75% or the unrestricted rate of 15.22%. The amount of commodities reported on the schedule is the value of commodities received by the district during the current year and priced as prescribed by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Title: Note 4 - Program Costs/Matching contributions Accounting Policies: The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is prepared on the same basis of accounting as the District's financial statements. The district uses the modified accrual basis of accounting in accordance with the Accounting Manual for Public School Districts in the State of Washington . Expenditures represent only the federally funded portions of the program. District records should be consulted to determine amounts expended or matched from non-federal sources. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The District has not elected to use the 10-percent de minimus indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The District used the federal restricted rate of 1.75% or the unrestricted rate of 15.22%. The amounts shown as current year expenses represent only the federal grant portion of the program costs. Entire program costs, including the district’s local matching share, may be more than shown. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, either the cost principles in the OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, or the cost principles contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement.
Title: Note 5 - Schoolwide Programs Accounting Policies: The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is prepared on the same basis of accounting as the District's financial statements. The district uses the modified accrual basis of accounting in accordance with the Accounting Manual for Public School Districts in the State of Washington . Expenditures represent only the federally funded portions of the program. District records should be consulted to determine amounts expended or matched from non-federal sources. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The District has not elected to use the 10-percent de minimus indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The District used the federal restricted rate of 1.75% or the unrestricted rate of 15.22%. The District operates a “schoolwide program” at the elementary, intermediate, middle and high school. Using federal funding, schoolwide programs are designed to upgrade an entire educational program within a school for all students, rather than limit services to certain targeted students. The following federal program amounts were expended by the District in its schoolwide program: Title I (84.010) $665,013
Title: Note 6 - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Activity Accounting Policies: The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is prepared on the same basis of accounting as the District's financial statements. The district uses the modified accrual basis of accounting in accordance with the Accounting Manual for Public School Districts in the State of Washington . Expenditures represent only the federally funded portions of the program. District records should be consulted to determine amounts expended or matched from non-federal sources. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The District has not elected to use the 10-percent de minimus indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The District used the federal restricted rate of 1.75% or the unrestricted rate of 15.22%. For the year ended August 31, 2024, the amount reflected on the Schedule for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund/COVID Stabilization Fund (ALN 84.425U) may include eligible expenditures that were incurred in fiscal year 2022-23.

Finding Details

The District did not have adequate internal controls and did not comply with time-and-effort requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 84.425, COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 84.425D 84.425U – 137163 84.425V 84.425W Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The objectives of the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) program are to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2024, the District spent a total of $819,569 of its ESF awards. This included $40,747 in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) subprogram (84.425D), $504,158 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ARP ESSER III) subprogram (84.425U), $260,377 in the American Rescue Plan – Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (ARP EANS II) subprogram (84.425V), and $4,802 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless and Children Youth (ARP HCY II) subprogram (84.425W). Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. The District is responsible for ensuring it supports all payroll costs charged to the program with adequate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and the awarding agency require. Depending on the number and type of activities employees perform, time-and-effort documentation can be a semiannual certification or a monthly personnel activity report, such as a detailed timesheet. Time-and-effort documentation must also be signed and dated after the work is completed. Description of Condition The District’s internal controls were ineffective for ensuring it supported all salaries and benefits it charged to the Transition to Kindergarten program, which was funded using ESF, with appropriate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and OSPI require. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition Although District staff tracked allowable payroll costs in a spreadsheet, they were unaware of the requirement to obtain time-and-effort documentation supporting actual time worked in the program. Effect of Condition The District did not obtain time-and-effort documentation for three employees whose payroll and benefit costs totaling $189,781 it charged to the program. Without adequate time-and-effort documentation, the District cannot demonstrate compliance with the awarding agency’s documentation requirements to support costa charged to federal programs. Further, the District cannot assure the federal grantor that payroll costs charged to the program were accurate and valid. During the audit, the District supported these payroll costs by providing alternative documentation to show the employees worked on the program; therefore, we are not questioning these costs. Recommendation We recommend the District establish and follow internal controls to ensure it complies with federal and OSPI requirements for obtaining signed time-and-effort documentation timely. District’s Response The district acknowledges the finding regarding inadequate internal controls and non-compliance with time-and-effort requirements. We take this concern seriously and are fully committed to addressing them promptly to ensure we are following all applicable federal and state regulations. To do so, the district has taken the following steps: 1. Internal Controls: we are reviewing and improving our internal control procedures related to grant documentation and management. 2. Time-and-Effort Reporting: we are ensuring our policies are current and will be training staff to ensure time-and-effort documentation is accurate and up to date in accordance with federal and state guidelines. 3. Monitoring: we are enhancing our monitoring procedures to ensure we have consistent application of our internal controls across departments. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the District for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improving the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, Subpart E, Cost Principles, establishes requirements for determining allowable costs and supporting costs allocated to federal programs. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Addendum to Bulletin 048-17, Guidelines for Charging Employee Compensation to Federal Grants establishes requirements for documenting time-and-effort.
The District did not have adequate internal controls and did not comply with time-and-effort requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 84.425, COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 84.425D 84.425U – 137163 84.425V 84.425W Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The objectives of the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) program are to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2024, the District spent a total of $819,569 of its ESF awards. This included $40,747 in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) subprogram (84.425D), $504,158 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ARP ESSER III) subprogram (84.425U), $260,377 in the American Rescue Plan – Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (ARP EANS II) subprogram (84.425V), and $4,802 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless and Children Youth (ARP HCY II) subprogram (84.425W). Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. The District is responsible for ensuring it supports all payroll costs charged to the program with adequate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and the awarding agency require. Depending on the number and type of activities employees perform, time-and-effort documentation can be a semiannual certification or a monthly personnel activity report, such as a detailed timesheet. Time-and-effort documentation must also be signed and dated after the work is completed. Description of Condition The District’s internal controls were ineffective for ensuring it supported all salaries and benefits it charged to the Transition to Kindergarten program, which was funded using ESF, with appropriate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and OSPI require. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition Although District staff tracked allowable payroll costs in a spreadsheet, they were unaware of the requirement to obtain time-and-effort documentation supporting actual time worked in the program. Effect of Condition The District did not obtain time-and-effort documentation for three employees whose payroll and benefit costs totaling $189,781 it charged to the program. Without adequate time-and-effort documentation, the District cannot demonstrate compliance with the awarding agency’s documentation requirements to support costa charged to federal programs. Further, the District cannot assure the federal grantor that payroll costs charged to the program were accurate and valid. During the audit, the District supported these payroll costs by providing alternative documentation to show the employees worked on the program; therefore, we are not questioning these costs. Recommendation We recommend the District establish and follow internal controls to ensure it complies with federal and OSPI requirements for obtaining signed time-and-effort documentation timely. District’s Response The district acknowledges the finding regarding inadequate internal controls and non-compliance with time-and-effort requirements. We take this concern seriously and are fully committed to addressing them promptly to ensure we are following all applicable federal and state regulations. To do so, the district has taken the following steps: 1. Internal Controls: we are reviewing and improving our internal control procedures related to grant documentation and management. 2. Time-and-Effort Reporting: we are ensuring our policies are current and will be training staff to ensure time-and-effort documentation is accurate and up to date in accordance with federal and state guidelines. 3. Monitoring: we are enhancing our monitoring procedures to ensure we have consistent application of our internal controls across departments. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the District for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improving the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, Subpart E, Cost Principles, establishes requirements for determining allowable costs and supporting costs allocated to federal programs. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Addendum to Bulletin 048-17, Guidelines for Charging Employee Compensation to Federal Grants establishes requirements for documenting time-and-effort.
The District did not have adequate internal controls and did not comply with time-and-effort requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 84.425, COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 84.425D 84.425U – 137163 84.425V 84.425W Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The objectives of the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) program are to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2024, the District spent a total of $819,569 of its ESF awards. This included $40,747 in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) subprogram (84.425D), $504,158 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ARP ESSER III) subprogram (84.425U), $260,377 in the American Rescue Plan – Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (ARP EANS II) subprogram (84.425V), and $4,802 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless and Children Youth (ARP HCY II) subprogram (84.425W). Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. The District is responsible for ensuring it supports all payroll costs charged to the program with adequate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and the awarding agency require. Depending on the number and type of activities employees perform, time-and-effort documentation can be a semiannual certification or a monthly personnel activity report, such as a detailed timesheet. Time-and-effort documentation must also be signed and dated after the work is completed. Description of Condition The District’s internal controls were ineffective for ensuring it supported all salaries and benefits it charged to the Transition to Kindergarten program, which was funded using ESF, with appropriate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and OSPI require. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition Although District staff tracked allowable payroll costs in a spreadsheet, they were unaware of the requirement to obtain time-and-effort documentation supporting actual time worked in the program. Effect of Condition The District did not obtain time-and-effort documentation for three employees whose payroll and benefit costs totaling $189,781 it charged to the program. Without adequate time-and-effort documentation, the District cannot demonstrate compliance with the awarding agency’s documentation requirements to support costa charged to federal programs. Further, the District cannot assure the federal grantor that payroll costs charged to the program were accurate and valid. During the audit, the District supported these payroll costs by providing alternative documentation to show the employees worked on the program; therefore, we are not questioning these costs. Recommendation We recommend the District establish and follow internal controls to ensure it complies with federal and OSPI requirements for obtaining signed time-and-effort documentation timely. District’s Response The district acknowledges the finding regarding inadequate internal controls and non-compliance with time-and-effort requirements. We take this concern seriously and are fully committed to addressing them promptly to ensure we are following all applicable federal and state regulations. To do so, the district has taken the following steps: 1. Internal Controls: we are reviewing and improving our internal control procedures related to grant documentation and management. 2. Time-and-Effort Reporting: we are ensuring our policies are current and will be training staff to ensure time-and-effort documentation is accurate and up to date in accordance with federal and state guidelines. 3. Monitoring: we are enhancing our monitoring procedures to ensure we have consistent application of our internal controls across departments. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the District for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improving the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, Subpart E, Cost Principles, establishes requirements for determining allowable costs and supporting costs allocated to federal programs. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Addendum to Bulletin 048-17, Guidelines for Charging Employee Compensation to Federal Grants establishes requirements for documenting time-and-effort.
The District did not have adequate internal controls and did not comply with time-and-effort requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 84.425, COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 84.425D 84.425U – 137163 84.425V 84.425W Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The objectives of the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) program are to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2024, the District spent a total of $819,569 of its ESF awards. This included $40,747 in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) subprogram (84.425D), $504,158 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ARP ESSER III) subprogram (84.425U), $260,377 in the American Rescue Plan – Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (ARP EANS II) subprogram (84.425V), and $4,802 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless and Children Youth (ARP HCY II) subprogram (84.425W). Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. The District is responsible for ensuring it supports all payroll costs charged to the program with adequate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and the awarding agency require. Depending on the number and type of activities employees perform, time-and-effort documentation can be a semiannual certification or a monthly personnel activity report, such as a detailed timesheet. Time-and-effort documentation must also be signed and dated after the work is completed. Description of Condition The District’s internal controls were ineffective for ensuring it supported all salaries and benefits it charged to the Transition to Kindergarten program, which was funded using ESF, with appropriate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and OSPI require. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition Although District staff tracked allowable payroll costs in a spreadsheet, they were unaware of the requirement to obtain time-and-effort documentation supporting actual time worked in the program. Effect of Condition The District did not obtain time-and-effort documentation for three employees whose payroll and benefit costs totaling $189,781 it charged to the program. Without adequate time-and-effort documentation, the District cannot demonstrate compliance with the awarding agency’s documentation requirements to support costa charged to federal programs. Further, the District cannot assure the federal grantor that payroll costs charged to the program were accurate and valid. During the audit, the District supported these payroll costs by providing alternative documentation to show the employees worked on the program; therefore, we are not questioning these costs. Recommendation We recommend the District establish and follow internal controls to ensure it complies with federal and OSPI requirements for obtaining signed time-and-effort documentation timely. District’s Response The district acknowledges the finding regarding inadequate internal controls and non-compliance with time-and-effort requirements. We take this concern seriously and are fully committed to addressing them promptly to ensure we are following all applicable federal and state regulations. To do so, the district has taken the following steps: 1. Internal Controls: we are reviewing and improving our internal control procedures related to grant documentation and management. 2. Time-and-Effort Reporting: we are ensuring our policies are current and will be training staff to ensure time-and-effort documentation is accurate and up to date in accordance with federal and state guidelines. 3. Monitoring: we are enhancing our monitoring procedures to ensure we have consistent application of our internal controls across departments. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the District for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improving the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, Subpart E, Cost Principles, establishes requirements for determining allowable costs and supporting costs allocated to federal programs. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Addendum to Bulletin 048-17, Guidelines for Charging Employee Compensation to Federal Grants establishes requirements for documenting time-and-effort.
The District did not have adequate internal controls and did not comply with time-and-effort requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 84.425, COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 84.425D 84.425U – 137163 84.425V 84.425W Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The objectives of the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) program are to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2024, the District spent a total of $819,569 of its ESF awards. This included $40,747 in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) subprogram (84.425D), $504,158 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ARP ESSER III) subprogram (84.425U), $260,377 in the American Rescue Plan – Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (ARP EANS II) subprogram (84.425V), and $4,802 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless and Children Youth (ARP HCY II) subprogram (84.425W). Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. The District is responsible for ensuring it supports all payroll costs charged to the program with adequate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and the awarding agency require. Depending on the number and type of activities employees perform, time-and-effort documentation can be a semiannual certification or a monthly personnel activity report, such as a detailed timesheet. Time-and-effort documentation must also be signed and dated after the work is completed. Description of Condition The District’s internal controls were ineffective for ensuring it supported all salaries and benefits it charged to the Transition to Kindergarten program, which was funded using ESF, with appropriate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and OSPI require. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition Although District staff tracked allowable payroll costs in a spreadsheet, they were unaware of the requirement to obtain time-and-effort documentation supporting actual time worked in the program. Effect of Condition The District did not obtain time-and-effort documentation for three employees whose payroll and benefit costs totaling $189,781 it charged to the program. Without adequate time-and-effort documentation, the District cannot demonstrate compliance with the awarding agency’s documentation requirements to support costa charged to federal programs. Further, the District cannot assure the federal grantor that payroll costs charged to the program were accurate and valid. During the audit, the District supported these payroll costs by providing alternative documentation to show the employees worked on the program; therefore, we are not questioning these costs. Recommendation We recommend the District establish and follow internal controls to ensure it complies with federal and OSPI requirements for obtaining signed time-and-effort documentation timely. District’s Response The district acknowledges the finding regarding inadequate internal controls and non-compliance with time-and-effort requirements. We take this concern seriously and are fully committed to addressing them promptly to ensure we are following all applicable federal and state regulations. To do so, the district has taken the following steps: 1. Internal Controls: we are reviewing and improving our internal control procedures related to grant documentation and management. 2. Time-and-Effort Reporting: we are ensuring our policies are current and will be training staff to ensure time-and-effort documentation is accurate and up to date in accordance with federal and state guidelines. 3. Monitoring: we are enhancing our monitoring procedures to ensure we have consistent application of our internal controls across departments. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the District for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improving the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, Subpart E, Cost Principles, establishes requirements for determining allowable costs and supporting costs allocated to federal programs. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Addendum to Bulletin 048-17, Guidelines for Charging Employee Compensation to Federal Grants establishes requirements for documenting time-and-effort.
The District did not have adequate internal controls and did not comply with time-and-effort requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 84.425, COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 84.425D 84.425U – 137163 84.425V 84.425W Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The objectives of the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) program are to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2024, the District spent a total of $819,569 of its ESF awards. This included $40,747 in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) subprogram (84.425D), $504,158 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ARP ESSER III) subprogram (84.425U), $260,377 in the American Rescue Plan – Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (ARP EANS II) subprogram (84.425V), and $4,802 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless and Children Youth (ARP HCY II) subprogram (84.425W). Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. The District is responsible for ensuring it supports all payroll costs charged to the program with adequate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and the awarding agency require. Depending on the number and type of activities employees perform, time-and-effort documentation can be a semiannual certification or a monthly personnel activity report, such as a detailed timesheet. Time-and-effort documentation must also be signed and dated after the work is completed. Description of Condition The District’s internal controls were ineffective for ensuring it supported all salaries and benefits it charged to the Transition to Kindergarten program, which was funded using ESF, with appropriate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and OSPI require. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition Although District staff tracked allowable payroll costs in a spreadsheet, they were unaware of the requirement to obtain time-and-effort documentation supporting actual time worked in the program. Effect of Condition The District did not obtain time-and-effort documentation for three employees whose payroll and benefit costs totaling $189,781 it charged to the program. Without adequate time-and-effort documentation, the District cannot demonstrate compliance with the awarding agency’s documentation requirements to support costa charged to federal programs. Further, the District cannot assure the federal grantor that payroll costs charged to the program were accurate and valid. During the audit, the District supported these payroll costs by providing alternative documentation to show the employees worked on the program; therefore, we are not questioning these costs. Recommendation We recommend the District establish and follow internal controls to ensure it complies with federal and OSPI requirements for obtaining signed time-and-effort documentation timely. District’s Response The district acknowledges the finding regarding inadequate internal controls and non-compliance with time-and-effort requirements. We take this concern seriously and are fully committed to addressing them promptly to ensure we are following all applicable federal and state regulations. To do so, the district has taken the following steps: 1. Internal Controls: we are reviewing and improving our internal control procedures related to grant documentation and management. 2. Time-and-Effort Reporting: we are ensuring our policies are current and will be training staff to ensure time-and-effort documentation is accurate and up to date in accordance with federal and state guidelines. 3. Monitoring: we are enhancing our monitoring procedures to ensure we have consistent application of our internal controls across departments. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the District for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improving the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, Subpart E, Cost Principles, establishes requirements for determining allowable costs and supporting costs allocated to federal programs. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Addendum to Bulletin 048-17, Guidelines for Charging Employee Compensation to Federal Grants establishes requirements for documenting time-and-effort.
The District did not have adequate internal controls and did not comply with time-and-effort requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 84.425, COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 84.425D 84.425U – 137163 84.425V 84.425W Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The objectives of the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) program are to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2024, the District spent a total of $819,569 of its ESF awards. This included $40,747 in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) subprogram (84.425D), $504,158 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ARP ESSER III) subprogram (84.425U), $260,377 in the American Rescue Plan – Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (ARP EANS II) subprogram (84.425V), and $4,802 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless and Children Youth (ARP HCY II) subprogram (84.425W). Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. The District is responsible for ensuring it supports all payroll costs charged to the program with adequate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and the awarding agency require. Depending on the number and type of activities employees perform, time-and-effort documentation can be a semiannual certification or a monthly personnel activity report, such as a detailed timesheet. Time-and-effort documentation must also be signed and dated after the work is completed. Description of Condition The District’s internal controls were ineffective for ensuring it supported all salaries and benefits it charged to the Transition to Kindergarten program, which was funded using ESF, with appropriate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and OSPI require. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition Although District staff tracked allowable payroll costs in a spreadsheet, they were unaware of the requirement to obtain time-and-effort documentation supporting actual time worked in the program. Effect of Condition The District did not obtain time-and-effort documentation for three employees whose payroll and benefit costs totaling $189,781 it charged to the program. Without adequate time-and-effort documentation, the District cannot demonstrate compliance with the awarding agency’s documentation requirements to support costa charged to federal programs. Further, the District cannot assure the federal grantor that payroll costs charged to the program were accurate and valid. During the audit, the District supported these payroll costs by providing alternative documentation to show the employees worked on the program; therefore, we are not questioning these costs. Recommendation We recommend the District establish and follow internal controls to ensure it complies with federal and OSPI requirements for obtaining signed time-and-effort documentation timely. District’s Response The district acknowledges the finding regarding inadequate internal controls and non-compliance with time-and-effort requirements. We take this concern seriously and are fully committed to addressing them promptly to ensure we are following all applicable federal and state regulations. To do so, the district has taken the following steps: 1. Internal Controls: we are reviewing and improving our internal control procedures related to grant documentation and management. 2. Time-and-Effort Reporting: we are ensuring our policies are current and will be training staff to ensure time-and-effort documentation is accurate and up to date in accordance with federal and state guidelines. 3. Monitoring: we are enhancing our monitoring procedures to ensure we have consistent application of our internal controls across departments. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the District for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improving the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, Subpart E, Cost Principles, establishes requirements for determining allowable costs and supporting costs allocated to federal programs. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Addendum to Bulletin 048-17, Guidelines for Charging Employee Compensation to Federal Grants establishes requirements for documenting time-and-effort.
The District did not have adequate internal controls and did not comply with time-and-effort requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 84.425, COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 84.425D 84.425U – 137163 84.425V 84.425W Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The objectives of the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) program are to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2024, the District spent a total of $819,569 of its ESF awards. This included $40,747 in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) subprogram (84.425D), $504,158 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ARP ESSER III) subprogram (84.425U), $260,377 in the American Rescue Plan – Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (ARP EANS II) subprogram (84.425V), and $4,802 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless and Children Youth (ARP HCY II) subprogram (84.425W). Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. The District is responsible for ensuring it supports all payroll costs charged to the program with adequate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and the awarding agency require. Depending on the number and type of activities employees perform, time-and-effort documentation can be a semiannual certification or a monthly personnel activity report, such as a detailed timesheet. Time-and-effort documentation must also be signed and dated after the work is completed. Description of Condition The District’s internal controls were ineffective for ensuring it supported all salaries and benefits it charged to the Transition to Kindergarten program, which was funded using ESF, with appropriate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and OSPI require. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition Although District staff tracked allowable payroll costs in a spreadsheet, they were unaware of the requirement to obtain time-and-effort documentation supporting actual time worked in the program. Effect of Condition The District did not obtain time-and-effort documentation for three employees whose payroll and benefit costs totaling $189,781 it charged to the program. Without adequate time-and-effort documentation, the District cannot demonstrate compliance with the awarding agency’s documentation requirements to support costa charged to federal programs. Further, the District cannot assure the federal grantor that payroll costs charged to the program were accurate and valid. During the audit, the District supported these payroll costs by providing alternative documentation to show the employees worked on the program; therefore, we are not questioning these costs. Recommendation We recommend the District establish and follow internal controls to ensure it complies with federal and OSPI requirements for obtaining signed time-and-effort documentation timely. District’s Response The district acknowledges the finding regarding inadequate internal controls and non-compliance with time-and-effort requirements. We take this concern seriously and are fully committed to addressing them promptly to ensure we are following all applicable federal and state regulations. To do so, the district has taken the following steps: 1. Internal Controls: we are reviewing and improving our internal control procedures related to grant documentation and management. 2. Time-and-Effort Reporting: we are ensuring our policies are current and will be training staff to ensure time-and-effort documentation is accurate and up to date in accordance with federal and state guidelines. 3. Monitoring: we are enhancing our monitoring procedures to ensure we have consistent application of our internal controls across departments. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the District for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improving the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, Subpart E, Cost Principles, establishes requirements for determining allowable costs and supporting costs allocated to federal programs. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Addendum to Bulletin 048-17, Guidelines for Charging Employee Compensation to Federal Grants establishes requirements for documenting time-and-effort.
The District did not have adequate internal controls and did not comply with time-and-effort requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 84.425, COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 84.425D 84.425U – 137163 84.425V 84.425W Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The objectives of the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) program are to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2024, the District spent a total of $819,569 of its ESF awards. This included $40,747 in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) subprogram (84.425D), $504,158 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ARP ESSER III) subprogram (84.425U), $260,377 in the American Rescue Plan – Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (ARP EANS II) subprogram (84.425V), and $4,802 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless and Children Youth (ARP HCY II) subprogram (84.425W). Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. The District is responsible for ensuring it supports all payroll costs charged to the program with adequate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and the awarding agency require. Depending on the number and type of activities employees perform, time-and-effort documentation can be a semiannual certification or a monthly personnel activity report, such as a detailed timesheet. Time-and-effort documentation must also be signed and dated after the work is completed. Description of Condition The District’s internal controls were ineffective for ensuring it supported all salaries and benefits it charged to the Transition to Kindergarten program, which was funded using ESF, with appropriate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and OSPI require. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition Although District staff tracked allowable payroll costs in a spreadsheet, they were unaware of the requirement to obtain time-and-effort documentation supporting actual time worked in the program. Effect of Condition The District did not obtain time-and-effort documentation for three employees whose payroll and benefit costs totaling $189,781 it charged to the program. Without adequate time-and-effort documentation, the District cannot demonstrate compliance with the awarding agency’s documentation requirements to support costa charged to federal programs. Further, the District cannot assure the federal grantor that payroll costs charged to the program were accurate and valid. During the audit, the District supported these payroll costs by providing alternative documentation to show the employees worked on the program; therefore, we are not questioning these costs. Recommendation We recommend the District establish and follow internal controls to ensure it complies with federal and OSPI requirements for obtaining signed time-and-effort documentation timely. District’s Response The district acknowledges the finding regarding inadequate internal controls and non-compliance with time-and-effort requirements. We take this concern seriously and are fully committed to addressing them promptly to ensure we are following all applicable federal and state regulations. To do so, the district has taken the following steps: 1. Internal Controls: we are reviewing and improving our internal control procedures related to grant documentation and management. 2. Time-and-Effort Reporting: we are ensuring our policies are current and will be training staff to ensure time-and-effort documentation is accurate and up to date in accordance with federal and state guidelines. 3. Monitoring: we are enhancing our monitoring procedures to ensure we have consistent application of our internal controls across departments. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the District for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improving the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, Subpart E, Cost Principles, establishes requirements for determining allowable costs and supporting costs allocated to federal programs. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Addendum to Bulletin 048-17, Guidelines for Charging Employee Compensation to Federal Grants establishes requirements for documenting time-and-effort.
The District did not have adequate internal controls and did not comply with time-and-effort requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 84.425, COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 84.425D 84.425U – 137163 84.425V 84.425W Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The objectives of the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) program are to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2024, the District spent a total of $819,569 of its ESF awards. This included $40,747 in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) subprogram (84.425D), $504,158 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ARP ESSER III) subprogram (84.425U), $260,377 in the American Rescue Plan – Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (ARP EANS II) subprogram (84.425V), and $4,802 in the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless and Children Youth (ARP HCY II) subprogram (84.425W). Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. The District is responsible for ensuring it supports all payroll costs charged to the program with adequate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and the awarding agency require. Depending on the number and type of activities employees perform, time-and-effort documentation can be a semiannual certification or a monthly personnel activity report, such as a detailed timesheet. Time-and-effort documentation must also be signed and dated after the work is completed. Description of Condition The District’s internal controls were ineffective for ensuring it supported all salaries and benefits it charged to the Transition to Kindergarten program, which was funded using ESF, with appropriate time-and-effort documentation, as federal regulations and OSPI require. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition Although District staff tracked allowable payroll costs in a spreadsheet, they were unaware of the requirement to obtain time-and-effort documentation supporting actual time worked in the program. Effect of Condition The District did not obtain time-and-effort documentation for three employees whose payroll and benefit costs totaling $189,781 it charged to the program. Without adequate time-and-effort documentation, the District cannot demonstrate compliance with the awarding agency’s documentation requirements to support costa charged to federal programs. Further, the District cannot assure the federal grantor that payroll costs charged to the program were accurate and valid. During the audit, the District supported these payroll costs by providing alternative documentation to show the employees worked on the program; therefore, we are not questioning these costs. Recommendation We recommend the District establish and follow internal controls to ensure it complies with federal and OSPI requirements for obtaining signed time-and-effort documentation timely. District’s Response The district acknowledges the finding regarding inadequate internal controls and non-compliance with time-and-effort requirements. We take this concern seriously and are fully committed to addressing them promptly to ensure we are following all applicable federal and state regulations. To do so, the district has taken the following steps: 1. Internal Controls: we are reviewing and improving our internal control procedures related to grant documentation and management. 2. Time-and-Effort Reporting: we are ensuring our policies are current and will be training staff to ensure time-and-effort documentation is accurate and up to date in accordance with federal and state guidelines. 3. Monitoring: we are enhancing our monitoring procedures to ensure we have consistent application of our internal controls across departments. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the District for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improving the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, Subpart E, Cost Principles, establishes requirements for determining allowable costs and supporting costs allocated to federal programs. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Addendum to Bulletin 048-17, Guidelines for Charging Employee Compensation to Federal Grants establishes requirements for documenting time-and-effort.