Audit 45571

FY End
2022-06-30
Total Expended
$4.09M
Findings
12
Programs
5
Year: 2022 Accepted: 2022-12-22

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
47903 2022-001 - - P
47904 2022-002 Material Weakness - B
47905 2022-001 - - P
47906 2022-002 Material Weakness - B
47907 2022-001 - - P
47908 2022-002 Material Weakness - B
624345 2022-001 - - P
624346 2022-002 Material Weakness - B
624347 2022-001 - - P
624348 2022-002 Material Weakness - B
624349 2022-001 - - P
624350 2022-002 Material Weakness - B

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $435,132 Yes 2
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $105,764 - 0
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $88,245 - 0
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants $200 - 0
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $200 - 0

Contacts

Name Title Type
MJGYSMGZA985 Cathleen Ellis Auditee
7743155123 Grady Connor Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Cash and Non-cash assistance Accounting Policies: Accounting policies and financial reporting practices permitted for municipalities in Massachusetts are prescribed by the Uniform Municipal Accounting System (UMAS) promulgated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the modified accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. The information included in the Schedule may not fully agree with other federal award reports the School submits to federal awarding or pass-through entities. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The School has not elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The School did not receive any non-cash assistance related to any federal program for the year ended June 30, 2022.
Title: Subrecipient pass-through awards Accounting Policies: Accounting policies and financial reporting practices permitted for municipalities in Massachusetts are prescribed by the Uniform Municipal Accounting System (UMAS) promulgated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the modified accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. The information included in the Schedule may not fully agree with other federal award reports the School submits to federal awarding or pass-through entities. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The School has not elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The School did not have any subrecipients for the year ended June 30, 2022.
Title: COVID-19 pandemic related funding Accounting Policies: Accounting policies and financial reporting practices permitted for municipalities in Massachusetts are prescribed by the Uniform Municipal Accounting System (UMAS) promulgated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the modified accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. The information included in the Schedule may not fully agree with other federal award reports the School submits to federal awarding or pass-through entities. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The School has not elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. Programs identified in the accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards which have been funded pursuant to federal legislation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic have been specifically indicated with the prefix- COVID-19.

Finding Details

Finding No. 2022-001 Material weakness in internal control over financial reporting ? contract monitoring/compliance Condition and context: Based upon the previous years? audits, management and the Board of Directors have worked during fiscal year 2022 to address certain deficiencies which have been identified surrounding financial reporting; however, a continued material weakness during the year involved the School?s monitoring and payments made in conjunction with the contractual arrangement with the School?s primary vendor, which provides various curriculum, instruction, technology and other services, Connections Education, LLC. The agreement in part provides for various per student upfront fees for enrollment and related technology fees being invoiced on a monthly basis which are not supported by sufficient detail of actual students/participants. Additionally, other services provided, supporting detail provided is not being formally documented/reviewed to the amount invoiced, prior to payment. Effect or potential effect: The School may have overpaid amounts to the vendor. Questioned cost: The School paid an aggregate of $2.9 million associated with these fees. Cause: The School and the vendor?s established contractual arrangement established does not provide sufficient clarity as to terms/conditions for certain upfront per student fees. Additionally, current management has worked on implementing more formalized internal controls surrounding all aspects of the School?s financial reporting system. Subsequent to year end, management and the Board of Directors have engaged legal counsel in communications with the vendor regarding the agreement. Criteria: Adequate internal controls surrounding financial reporting and compliance with contractual arrangements should ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly evidenced as to terms and conditions; moreover, it is important that all invoices received from vendors are accompanied by sufficient detail that can be formally reconciled to the contractual terms. Identification as a repeat finding: As indicated above, material weaknesses in financial reporting were reported in the prior year (inclusive of contractual arrangements). Auditor?s recommendations: We recommend the School ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly defined as to all specific terms and conditions. Given the nature of the School?s operations and the many working components within the arrangement, it is essential that all terms be clear and understood by all parties prior to execution of the agreement. Furthermore, it is imperative that the School ensure appropriate detail is provided for all charges (per unit, etc.) and is formally reconciled to the underlying contract (and documented accordingly) to ensure that the School only pays in accordance with agreed-upon terms. All documentation should be formally reconciled and attested to by appropriate personnel and maintained together. Legal counsel should be consulted in the establishment of material contractual arrangements.
Finding No. 2022-001 Material weakness in internal control over financial reporting ? contract monitoring/compliance Condition and context: Based upon the previous years? audits, management and the Board of Directors have worked during fiscal year 2022 to address certain deficiencies which have been identified surrounding financial reporting; however, a continued material weakness during the year involved the School?s monitoring and payments made in conjunction with the contractual arrangement with the School?s primary vendor, which provides various curriculum, instruction, technology and other services, Connections Education, LLC. The agreement in part provides for various per student upfront fees for enrollment and related technology fees being invoiced on a monthly basis which are not supported by sufficient detail of actual students/participants. Additionally, other services provided, supporting detail provided is not being formally documented/reviewed to the amount invoiced, prior to payment. Effect or potential effect: The School may have overpaid amounts to the vendor. Questioned cost: The School paid an aggregate of $2.9 million associated with these fees. Cause: The School and the vendor?s established contractual arrangement established does not provide sufficient clarity as to terms/conditions for certain upfront per student fees. Additionally, current management has worked on implementing more formalized internal controls surrounding all aspects of the School?s financial reporting system. Subsequent to year end, management and the Board of Directors have engaged legal counsel in communications with the vendor regarding the agreement. Criteria: Adequate internal controls surrounding financial reporting and compliance with contractual arrangements should ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly evidenced as to terms and conditions; moreover, it is important that all invoices received from vendors are accompanied by sufficient detail that can be formally reconciled to the contractual terms. Identification as a repeat finding: As indicated above, material weaknesses in financial reporting were reported in the prior year (inclusive of contractual arrangements). Auditor?s recommendations: We recommend the School ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly defined as to all specific terms and conditions. Given the nature of the School?s operations and the many working components within the arrangement, it is essential that all terms be clear and understood by all parties prior to execution of the agreement. Furthermore, it is imperative that the School ensure appropriate detail is provided for all charges (per unit, etc.) and is formally reconciled to the underlying contract (and documented accordingly) to ensure that the School only pays in accordance with agreed-upon terms. All documentation should be formally reconciled and attested to by appropriate personnel and maintained together. Legal counsel should be consulted in the establishment of material contractual arrangements.
Finding No. 2022-001 Material weakness in internal control over financial reporting ? contract monitoring/compliance Condition and context: Based upon the previous years? audits, management and the Board of Directors have worked during fiscal year 2022 to address certain deficiencies which have been identified surrounding financial reporting; however, a continued material weakness during the year involved the School?s monitoring and payments made in conjunction with the contractual arrangement with the School?s primary vendor, which provides various curriculum, instruction, technology and other services, Connections Education, LLC. The agreement in part provides for various per student upfront fees for enrollment and related technology fees being invoiced on a monthly basis which are not supported by sufficient detail of actual students/participants. Additionally, other services provided, supporting detail provided is not being formally documented/reviewed to the amount invoiced, prior to payment. Effect or potential effect: The School may have overpaid amounts to the vendor. Questioned cost: The School paid an aggregate of $2.9 million associated with these fees. Cause: The School and the vendor?s established contractual arrangement established does not provide sufficient clarity as to terms/conditions for certain upfront per student fees. Additionally, current management has worked on implementing more formalized internal controls surrounding all aspects of the School?s financial reporting system. Subsequent to year end, management and the Board of Directors have engaged legal counsel in communications with the vendor regarding the agreement. Criteria: Adequate internal controls surrounding financial reporting and compliance with contractual arrangements should ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly evidenced as to terms and conditions; moreover, it is important that all invoices received from vendors are accompanied by sufficient detail that can be formally reconciled to the contractual terms. Identification as a repeat finding: As indicated above, material weaknesses in financial reporting were reported in the prior year (inclusive of contractual arrangements). Auditor?s recommendations: We recommend the School ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly defined as to all specific terms and conditions. Given the nature of the School?s operations and the many working components within the arrangement, it is essential that all terms be clear and understood by all parties prior to execution of the agreement. Furthermore, it is imperative that the School ensure appropriate detail is provided for all charges (per unit, etc.) and is formally reconciled to the underlying contract (and documented accordingly) to ensure that the School only pays in accordance with agreed-upon terms. All documentation should be formally reconciled and attested to by appropriate personnel and maintained together. Legal counsel should be consulted in the establishment of material contractual arrangements.
Finding No. 2022-001 Material weakness in internal control over financial reporting ? contract monitoring/compliance Condition and context: Based upon the previous years? audits, management and the Board of Directors have worked during fiscal year 2022 to address certain deficiencies which have been identified surrounding financial reporting; however, a continued material weakness during the year involved the School?s monitoring and payments made in conjunction with the contractual arrangement with the School?s primary vendor, which provides various curriculum, instruction, technology and other services, Connections Education, LLC. The agreement in part provides for various per student upfront fees for enrollment and related technology fees being invoiced on a monthly basis which are not supported by sufficient detail of actual students/participants. Additionally, other services provided, supporting detail provided is not being formally documented/reviewed to the amount invoiced, prior to payment. Effect or potential effect: The School may have overpaid amounts to the vendor. Questioned cost: The School paid an aggregate of $2.9 million associated with these fees. Cause: The School and the vendor?s established contractual arrangement established does not provide sufficient clarity as to terms/conditions for certain upfront per student fees. Additionally, current management has worked on implementing more formalized internal controls surrounding all aspects of the School?s financial reporting system. Subsequent to year end, management and the Board of Directors have engaged legal counsel in communications with the vendor regarding the agreement. Criteria: Adequate internal controls surrounding financial reporting and compliance with contractual arrangements should ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly evidenced as to terms and conditions; moreover, it is important that all invoices received from vendors are accompanied by sufficient detail that can be formally reconciled to the contractual terms. Identification as a repeat finding: As indicated above, material weaknesses in financial reporting were reported in the prior year (inclusive of contractual arrangements). Auditor?s recommendations: We recommend the School ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly defined as to all specific terms and conditions. Given the nature of the School?s operations and the many working components within the arrangement, it is essential that all terms be clear and understood by all parties prior to execution of the agreement. Furthermore, it is imperative that the School ensure appropriate detail is provided for all charges (per unit, etc.) and is formally reconciled to the underlying contract (and documented accordingly) to ensure that the School only pays in accordance with agreed-upon terms. All documentation should be formally reconciled and attested to by appropriate personnel and maintained together. Legal counsel should be consulted in the establishment of material contractual arrangements.
Finding No. 2022-001 Material weakness in internal control over financial reporting ? contract monitoring/compliance Condition and context: Based upon the previous years? audits, management and the Board of Directors have worked during fiscal year 2022 to address certain deficiencies which have been identified surrounding financial reporting; however, a continued material weakness during the year involved the School?s monitoring and payments made in conjunction with the contractual arrangement with the School?s primary vendor, which provides various curriculum, instruction, technology and other services, Connections Education, LLC. The agreement in part provides for various per student upfront fees for enrollment and related technology fees being invoiced on a monthly basis which are not supported by sufficient detail of actual students/participants. Additionally, other services provided, supporting detail provided is not being formally documented/reviewed to the amount invoiced, prior to payment. Effect or potential effect: The School may have overpaid amounts to the vendor. Questioned cost: The School paid an aggregate of $2.9 million associated with these fees. Cause: The School and the vendor?s established contractual arrangement established does not provide sufficient clarity as to terms/conditions for certain upfront per student fees. Additionally, current management has worked on implementing more formalized internal controls surrounding all aspects of the School?s financial reporting system. Subsequent to year end, management and the Board of Directors have engaged legal counsel in communications with the vendor regarding the agreement. Criteria: Adequate internal controls surrounding financial reporting and compliance with contractual arrangements should ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly evidenced as to terms and conditions; moreover, it is important that all invoices received from vendors are accompanied by sufficient detail that can be formally reconciled to the contractual terms. Identification as a repeat finding: As indicated above, material weaknesses in financial reporting were reported in the prior year (inclusive of contractual arrangements). Auditor?s recommendations: We recommend the School ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly defined as to all specific terms and conditions. Given the nature of the School?s operations and the many working components within the arrangement, it is essential that all terms be clear and understood by all parties prior to execution of the agreement. Furthermore, it is imperative that the School ensure appropriate detail is provided for all charges (per unit, etc.) and is formally reconciled to the underlying contract (and documented accordingly) to ensure that the School only pays in accordance with agreed-upon terms. All documentation should be formally reconciled and attested to by appropriate personnel and maintained together. Legal counsel should be consulted in the establishment of material contractual arrangements.
Finding No. 2022-001 Material weakness in internal control over financial reporting ? contract monitoring/compliance Condition and context: Based upon the previous years? audits, management and the Board of Directors have worked during fiscal year 2022 to address certain deficiencies which have been identified surrounding financial reporting; however, a continued material weakness during the year involved the School?s monitoring and payments made in conjunction with the contractual arrangement with the School?s primary vendor, which provides various curriculum, instruction, technology and other services, Connections Education, LLC. The agreement in part provides for various per student upfront fees for enrollment and related technology fees being invoiced on a monthly basis which are not supported by sufficient detail of actual students/participants. Additionally, other services provided, supporting detail provided is not being formally documented/reviewed to the amount invoiced, prior to payment. Effect or potential effect: The School may have overpaid amounts to the vendor. Questioned cost: The School paid an aggregate of $2.9 million associated with these fees. Cause: The School and the vendor?s established contractual arrangement established does not provide sufficient clarity as to terms/conditions for certain upfront per student fees. Additionally, current management has worked on implementing more formalized internal controls surrounding all aspects of the School?s financial reporting system. Subsequent to year end, management and the Board of Directors have engaged legal counsel in communications with the vendor regarding the agreement. Criteria: Adequate internal controls surrounding financial reporting and compliance with contractual arrangements should ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly evidenced as to terms and conditions; moreover, it is important that all invoices received from vendors are accompanied by sufficient detail that can be formally reconciled to the contractual terms. Identification as a repeat finding: As indicated above, material weaknesses in financial reporting were reported in the prior year (inclusive of contractual arrangements). Auditor?s recommendations: We recommend the School ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly defined as to all specific terms and conditions. Given the nature of the School?s operations and the many working components within the arrangement, it is essential that all terms be clear and understood by all parties prior to execution of the agreement. Furthermore, it is imperative that the School ensure appropriate detail is provided for all charges (per unit, etc.) and is formally reconciled to the underlying contract (and documented accordingly) to ensure that the School only pays in accordance with agreed-upon terms. All documentation should be formally reconciled and attested to by appropriate personnel and maintained together. Legal counsel should be consulted in the establishment of material contractual arrangements.
Finding No. 2022-001 Material weakness in internal control over financial reporting ? contract monitoring/compliance Condition and context: Based upon the previous years? audits, management and the Board of Directors have worked during fiscal year 2022 to address certain deficiencies which have been identified surrounding financial reporting; however, a continued material weakness during the year involved the School?s monitoring and payments made in conjunction with the contractual arrangement with the School?s primary vendor, which provides various curriculum, instruction, technology and other services, Connections Education, LLC. The agreement in part provides for various per student upfront fees for enrollment and related technology fees being invoiced on a monthly basis which are not supported by sufficient detail of actual students/participants. Additionally, other services provided, supporting detail provided is not being formally documented/reviewed to the amount invoiced, prior to payment. Effect or potential effect: The School may have overpaid amounts to the vendor. Questioned cost: The School paid an aggregate of $2.9 million associated with these fees. Cause: The School and the vendor?s established contractual arrangement established does not provide sufficient clarity as to terms/conditions for certain upfront per student fees. Additionally, current management has worked on implementing more formalized internal controls surrounding all aspects of the School?s financial reporting system. Subsequent to year end, management and the Board of Directors have engaged legal counsel in communications with the vendor regarding the agreement. Criteria: Adequate internal controls surrounding financial reporting and compliance with contractual arrangements should ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly evidenced as to terms and conditions; moreover, it is important that all invoices received from vendors are accompanied by sufficient detail that can be formally reconciled to the contractual terms. Identification as a repeat finding: As indicated above, material weaknesses in financial reporting were reported in the prior year (inclusive of contractual arrangements). Auditor?s recommendations: We recommend the School ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly defined as to all specific terms and conditions. Given the nature of the School?s operations and the many working components within the arrangement, it is essential that all terms be clear and understood by all parties prior to execution of the agreement. Furthermore, it is imperative that the School ensure appropriate detail is provided for all charges (per unit, etc.) and is formally reconciled to the underlying contract (and documented accordingly) to ensure that the School only pays in accordance with agreed-upon terms. All documentation should be formally reconciled and attested to by appropriate personnel and maintained together. Legal counsel should be consulted in the establishment of material contractual arrangements.
Finding No. 2022-001 Material weakness in internal control over financial reporting ? contract monitoring/compliance Condition and context: Based upon the previous years? audits, management and the Board of Directors have worked during fiscal year 2022 to address certain deficiencies which have been identified surrounding financial reporting; however, a continued material weakness during the year involved the School?s monitoring and payments made in conjunction with the contractual arrangement with the School?s primary vendor, which provides various curriculum, instruction, technology and other services, Connections Education, LLC. The agreement in part provides for various per student upfront fees for enrollment and related technology fees being invoiced on a monthly basis which are not supported by sufficient detail of actual students/participants. Additionally, other services provided, supporting detail provided is not being formally documented/reviewed to the amount invoiced, prior to payment. Effect or potential effect: The School may have overpaid amounts to the vendor. Questioned cost: The School paid an aggregate of $2.9 million associated with these fees. Cause: The School and the vendor?s established contractual arrangement established does not provide sufficient clarity as to terms/conditions for certain upfront per student fees. Additionally, current management has worked on implementing more formalized internal controls surrounding all aspects of the School?s financial reporting system. Subsequent to year end, management and the Board of Directors have engaged legal counsel in communications with the vendor regarding the agreement. Criteria: Adequate internal controls surrounding financial reporting and compliance with contractual arrangements should ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly evidenced as to terms and conditions; moreover, it is important that all invoices received from vendors are accompanied by sufficient detail that can be formally reconciled to the contractual terms. Identification as a repeat finding: As indicated above, material weaknesses in financial reporting were reported in the prior year (inclusive of contractual arrangements). Auditor?s recommendations: We recommend the School ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly defined as to all specific terms and conditions. Given the nature of the School?s operations and the many working components within the arrangement, it is essential that all terms be clear and understood by all parties prior to execution of the agreement. Furthermore, it is imperative that the School ensure appropriate detail is provided for all charges (per unit, etc.) and is formally reconciled to the underlying contract (and documented accordingly) to ensure that the School only pays in accordance with agreed-upon terms. All documentation should be formally reconciled and attested to by appropriate personnel and maintained together. Legal counsel should be consulted in the establishment of material contractual arrangements.
Finding No. 2022-001 Material weakness in internal control over financial reporting ? contract monitoring/compliance Condition and context: Based upon the previous years? audits, management and the Board of Directors have worked during fiscal year 2022 to address certain deficiencies which have been identified surrounding financial reporting; however, a continued material weakness during the year involved the School?s monitoring and payments made in conjunction with the contractual arrangement with the School?s primary vendor, which provides various curriculum, instruction, technology and other services, Connections Education, LLC. The agreement in part provides for various per student upfront fees for enrollment and related technology fees being invoiced on a monthly basis which are not supported by sufficient detail of actual students/participants. Additionally, other services provided, supporting detail provided is not being formally documented/reviewed to the amount invoiced, prior to payment. Effect or potential effect: The School may have overpaid amounts to the vendor. Questioned cost: The School paid an aggregate of $2.9 million associated with these fees. Cause: The School and the vendor?s established contractual arrangement established does not provide sufficient clarity as to terms/conditions for certain upfront per student fees. Additionally, current management has worked on implementing more formalized internal controls surrounding all aspects of the School?s financial reporting system. Subsequent to year end, management and the Board of Directors have engaged legal counsel in communications with the vendor regarding the agreement. Criteria: Adequate internal controls surrounding financial reporting and compliance with contractual arrangements should ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly evidenced as to terms and conditions; moreover, it is important that all invoices received from vendors are accompanied by sufficient detail that can be formally reconciled to the contractual terms. Identification as a repeat finding: As indicated above, material weaknesses in financial reporting were reported in the prior year (inclusive of contractual arrangements). Auditor?s recommendations: We recommend the School ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly defined as to all specific terms and conditions. Given the nature of the School?s operations and the many working components within the arrangement, it is essential that all terms be clear and understood by all parties prior to execution of the agreement. Furthermore, it is imperative that the School ensure appropriate detail is provided for all charges (per unit, etc.) and is formally reconciled to the underlying contract (and documented accordingly) to ensure that the School only pays in accordance with agreed-upon terms. All documentation should be formally reconciled and attested to by appropriate personnel and maintained together. Legal counsel should be consulted in the establishment of material contractual arrangements.
Finding No. 2022-001 Material weakness in internal control over financial reporting ? contract monitoring/compliance Condition and context: Based upon the previous years? audits, management and the Board of Directors have worked during fiscal year 2022 to address certain deficiencies which have been identified surrounding financial reporting; however, a continued material weakness during the year involved the School?s monitoring and payments made in conjunction with the contractual arrangement with the School?s primary vendor, which provides various curriculum, instruction, technology and other services, Connections Education, LLC. The agreement in part provides for various per student upfront fees for enrollment and related technology fees being invoiced on a monthly basis which are not supported by sufficient detail of actual students/participants. Additionally, other services provided, supporting detail provided is not being formally documented/reviewed to the amount invoiced, prior to payment. Effect or potential effect: The School may have overpaid amounts to the vendor. Questioned cost: The School paid an aggregate of $2.9 million associated with these fees. Cause: The School and the vendor?s established contractual arrangement established does not provide sufficient clarity as to terms/conditions for certain upfront per student fees. Additionally, current management has worked on implementing more formalized internal controls surrounding all aspects of the School?s financial reporting system. Subsequent to year end, management and the Board of Directors have engaged legal counsel in communications with the vendor regarding the agreement. Criteria: Adequate internal controls surrounding financial reporting and compliance with contractual arrangements should ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly evidenced as to terms and conditions; moreover, it is important that all invoices received from vendors are accompanied by sufficient detail that can be formally reconciled to the contractual terms. Identification as a repeat finding: As indicated above, material weaknesses in financial reporting were reported in the prior year (inclusive of contractual arrangements). Auditor?s recommendations: We recommend the School ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly defined as to all specific terms and conditions. Given the nature of the School?s operations and the many working components within the arrangement, it is essential that all terms be clear and understood by all parties prior to execution of the agreement. Furthermore, it is imperative that the School ensure appropriate detail is provided for all charges (per unit, etc.) and is formally reconciled to the underlying contract (and documented accordingly) to ensure that the School only pays in accordance with agreed-upon terms. All documentation should be formally reconciled and attested to by appropriate personnel and maintained together. Legal counsel should be consulted in the establishment of material contractual arrangements.
Finding No. 2022-001 Material weakness in internal control over financial reporting ? contract monitoring/compliance Condition and context: Based upon the previous years? audits, management and the Board of Directors have worked during fiscal year 2022 to address certain deficiencies which have been identified surrounding financial reporting; however, a continued material weakness during the year involved the School?s monitoring and payments made in conjunction with the contractual arrangement with the School?s primary vendor, which provides various curriculum, instruction, technology and other services, Connections Education, LLC. The agreement in part provides for various per student upfront fees for enrollment and related technology fees being invoiced on a monthly basis which are not supported by sufficient detail of actual students/participants. Additionally, other services provided, supporting detail provided is not being formally documented/reviewed to the amount invoiced, prior to payment. Effect or potential effect: The School may have overpaid amounts to the vendor. Questioned cost: The School paid an aggregate of $2.9 million associated with these fees. Cause: The School and the vendor?s established contractual arrangement established does not provide sufficient clarity as to terms/conditions for certain upfront per student fees. Additionally, current management has worked on implementing more formalized internal controls surrounding all aspects of the School?s financial reporting system. Subsequent to year end, management and the Board of Directors have engaged legal counsel in communications with the vendor regarding the agreement. Criteria: Adequate internal controls surrounding financial reporting and compliance with contractual arrangements should ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly evidenced as to terms and conditions; moreover, it is important that all invoices received from vendors are accompanied by sufficient detail that can be formally reconciled to the contractual terms. Identification as a repeat finding: As indicated above, material weaknesses in financial reporting were reported in the prior year (inclusive of contractual arrangements). Auditor?s recommendations: We recommend the School ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly defined as to all specific terms and conditions. Given the nature of the School?s operations and the many working components within the arrangement, it is essential that all terms be clear and understood by all parties prior to execution of the agreement. Furthermore, it is imperative that the School ensure appropriate detail is provided for all charges (per unit, etc.) and is formally reconciled to the underlying contract (and documented accordingly) to ensure that the School only pays in accordance with agreed-upon terms. All documentation should be formally reconciled and attested to by appropriate personnel and maintained together. Legal counsel should be consulted in the establishment of material contractual arrangements.
Finding No. 2022-001 Material weakness in internal control over financial reporting ? contract monitoring/compliance Condition and context: Based upon the previous years? audits, management and the Board of Directors have worked during fiscal year 2022 to address certain deficiencies which have been identified surrounding financial reporting; however, a continued material weakness during the year involved the School?s monitoring and payments made in conjunction with the contractual arrangement with the School?s primary vendor, which provides various curriculum, instruction, technology and other services, Connections Education, LLC. The agreement in part provides for various per student upfront fees for enrollment and related technology fees being invoiced on a monthly basis which are not supported by sufficient detail of actual students/participants. Additionally, other services provided, supporting detail provided is not being formally documented/reviewed to the amount invoiced, prior to payment. Effect or potential effect: The School may have overpaid amounts to the vendor. Questioned cost: The School paid an aggregate of $2.9 million associated with these fees. Cause: The School and the vendor?s established contractual arrangement established does not provide sufficient clarity as to terms/conditions for certain upfront per student fees. Additionally, current management has worked on implementing more formalized internal controls surrounding all aspects of the School?s financial reporting system. Subsequent to year end, management and the Board of Directors have engaged legal counsel in communications with the vendor regarding the agreement. Criteria: Adequate internal controls surrounding financial reporting and compliance with contractual arrangements should ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly evidenced as to terms and conditions; moreover, it is important that all invoices received from vendors are accompanied by sufficient detail that can be formally reconciled to the contractual terms. Identification as a repeat finding: As indicated above, material weaknesses in financial reporting were reported in the prior year (inclusive of contractual arrangements). Auditor?s recommendations: We recommend the School ensure that all contractual arrangements are clearly defined as to all specific terms and conditions. Given the nature of the School?s operations and the many working components within the arrangement, it is essential that all terms be clear and understood by all parties prior to execution of the agreement. Furthermore, it is imperative that the School ensure appropriate detail is provided for all charges (per unit, etc.) and is formally reconciled to the underlying contract (and documented accordingly) to ensure that the School only pays in accordance with agreed-upon terms. All documentation should be formally reconciled and attested to by appropriate personnel and maintained together. Legal counsel should be consulted in the establishment of material contractual arrangements.