Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Tina Gross Contact Phone Number: 317-945-4327 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with this finding, but would like to offer the following explanation: When ESSER funds first become available, there were no guidelines or restrictions that were m...
Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Tina Gross Contact Phone Number: 317-945-4327 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with this finding, but would like to offer the following explanation: When ESSER funds first become available, there were no guidelines or restrictions that were made available. Instead, the districts were assigned swift deadlines in getting their spending plans submitted. The advice was, if you can link the request to COVID, and IDOE approves the request, then ESSER funds can be used. Months later, in an attempt to tighten things up, the school districts were presented with guidelines. This took place after all of the planning had already been done for all three grants and costs had already been incurred. The renovation cost in question was included in our spending plan submitted to IDOE through the Title Application Center. The following narrative was also submitted with the budget to IDOE as follows: ?We are also requesting $472,962.87 for a renovation project at our local Career Center, Central Nine in Greenwood. Franklin High School is one of eight sending schools for this career center. These renovations will add necessary classroom and lab space for the Diesel, Welding, and Dental programs. The renovations also include meeting space and restrooms. The total cost of Franklin Community Schools? portion of the project is estimated at $652,400, however, we are only requesting a portion of that in ESSER III funds and will cover the difference using district funds? IDOE approved the budget submitted, including this specific transaction. There was no reason for the district to think that this was an unallowable transaction. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The district is willing to transfer this expense to rainy day or operating funds if necessary. Anticipated Completion Date: 2-22-23