CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
2023-008 U.S. Department of Treasury COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – ALN 21.027 Material Weakness in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance Finding Criteria: Per 2 CFR section 200.328 of the Uniform Guidance, each recipient must report program outlays and program income on a cash or accrual basis, as prescribed by the federal agency. The compliance supplement identified four Key Line Items required to be reported to the federal awarding agency which include (1) current period obligation, (2) cumulative obligation, (3) current period expenditure and (4) cumulative expenditure. Condition: As of the March 31, 2023 reporting date, the Town’s Project and Expenditure report had reported cumulative expenditures that were approximately $134,000 more than what was recorded in the grant fund on the general ledger. In addition, obligations were overstated by approximately $85,000. Cause: The Town did not reconcile the Project and Expenditure report with the Town’s general ledger before submitting. Additionally, the Town did not have a clear understanding of reporting requirements for obligations. Effect: The Town did not properly report grant expenditures in the appropriate fund in the Town’s general ledger and obligations were overstated in the Project and Expenditure reporting. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: The Town should implement procedures to reconcile the financial information in the Project and Expenditure reports to the Town’s general ledger and contract files before submission. Views of Responsible Official: Management agrees with the finding.
Finding 2023-003 Reporting – Internal Control and Compliance over Reporting Information on the Federal Program: Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass-Through Entity: N/A Federal Award Number and Award Year: N/A - FY22-23 Criteria: Title 2 - Grants and Agreements. Subtitle A - Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements. Chapter II - Office of Management and Budget Guidance. Part 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Subpart D - Post Federal Award Requirements. Performance and Financial Monitoring and Reporting. §200.328 – Financial Reporting (2 CFR 200.328): Unless otherwise approved by OMB, the Federal awarding agency must solicit only the OMB-approved governmentwide data elements for collection of financial information (at time of publication the Federal Financial Report or such future, OMB-approved, governmentwide data elements available from the OMB-designated standards lead. This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. The Federal awarding agency must use OMB-approved common information collections, as applicable, when providing financial and performance reporting information. Title 31 – Money and Finance: Treasury. Subtitle A – Office of the Secretary of the Treasury. Part 35 – Pandemic Relief Programs. Subpart A – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. § 35.4 Reservation of authority, reporting. (c) Reporting and requests for other information. During the period of performance, recipients shall provide to the Secretary periodic reports providing detailed accounting of the uses of funds, modifications to a State or Territory’s tax revenue sources, and such other information as the Secretary may require for the administration of this section. In addition to regular reporting requirements, the Secretary may request other additional information as may be necessary or appropriate, including as may be necessary to prevent evasions of the requirements of this subpart. False statements or claims made to the Secretary may result in criminal, civil, or administrative sanctions, including fines, imprisonment, civil damages and penalties, debarment from participating in Federal awards or contracts, and/or any other remedy available by law. Condition: For the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), the City did not submit the reports within the required deadline: Report Type Report Type Period Date Due Date Submitted Project and Expenditure Report Performance Report 1/1/23-3/31/23 4/30/2023 5/3/2023 Project and Expenditure Report Performance Report 4/1/23-6/30/23 7/31/2023 8/25/2023 Four (4) performance reports were tested and two (2) of the reports tested were not submitted by the required deadline. In addition, expenditure information reported on the Project and Expenditure Reports were not supported by the City’s accounting records and did not match expenditures reported on the SEFA. This was due to the City not reporting the Revenue Replacement project expenditures of $4,821,936. Cause: Due to the effects of grant staff turnover, the City’s procedures did not consistently ensure that the reports were submitted timely in accordance with the timelines in the Uniform Guidance, or properly reviewed and approved prior to submission. The County prepared the Project and Expenditure Reports as of a point in time, but internal controls did not allow for consistent reporting or expenditure recognition, to avoid variances. Effect: Failure to submit the Project and Expenditure Reports timely and accurately reporting expenditures results in noncompliance with the reporting requirements in the grant agreement. Questioned Costs: None noted. Identification as a Repeat Finding, If Applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the City strengthen their report submission process and procedures to ensure all required reports are properly reviewed and approved and submitted timely. When a report cannot be submitted by the due date, the City should request an extension from the funding agency and maintain a record of the approval. We recommend the County enhance internal controls to ensure Project and Expenditure Reports are prepared in accordance with governing requirements, and updated timely if revisions are made by the County, to avoid material variances to the underlying expenditures reported on the SEFA. Management’s View and Corrective Action Plan: The City concurs with the auditors’ finding. The City will take steps to improve identification and monitoring of required grantor reporting deadlines.
FINDING 2023-002 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditure, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, one ESSER II report, and one ESSER III report, for a total of three reports. The annual data reports were prepared by the Director of Grants and reviewed by the Chief Academic Officer; however, this process did not allow for the prevention, or detection and corrections, of errors prior to submission. Due to the lack of effective internal controls, one of the three annual data reports was not supported by the School Corporation's records. For the ESSER III report, which covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, total expenses per the report were $6,026,425. However, the ledger had total expenses for the award, for that period, of $6,686,286. The lack of effective internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the ESSER III report. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporations management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, the ESSER III report was not supported by the School Corporation's records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding by the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure all reports submitted on behalf of the Education Stabilization Fund program funds are accurate. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Finding 2023-002 - Source Documentation (Significant Deficiency) CFDA Title and Number: 20.513 (5310) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management CFDA Title and Number: 20.509 (5311) CARES 5311 Operating Assistance. Formula Grants for Rural. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200.302(b)(1) The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: Identification, in its accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. 200.302(b)(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the fi-nancial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in 200.328 and 200.329. Condition: The District prepared reimbursement calculations according to an internally developed spreadsheet tool, rather than using amounts directly obtained from the general ledger and supporting documentation Cause: General ledger data used to prepare spreadsheets, then used to complete reimbursement requests added unnecessary complexity and potential for errors in the reimbursement and request and grant reporting process. Internal control procedures assuring accurate and timely review of reports and filing of the reimbursement re-quests were not designed or implemented. Effect or Potential Effect: The lack of effective internal control activities over financial reporting could allow for inadvertent errors, such as calculation errors, payments for unauthorized purposes, and result in improper grant accounting, reporting, and reimbursement. Questioned Cost: No Context: Internal disputes regarding grant reimbursement request procedures were evident. The weak or nonex-istent controls over the reimbursement request procedures created a potential for inaccurate, incomplete report-ing. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, Findings and Questioned Costs 2022-003 Recommendation: The District should continue to improve grant accounting efforts, and establish a more simplified and effective process for the review and approval of grant accounting and reimbursement requests. Additional training of management should occur to ensure they fully understand all compliance regulations and have the skills to assist in designing and implementing effective controls. Monitoring of the control procedures related to the grant accounting and reimbursement request should be performed regularly to ensure reports are filed accurately and timely. Information and communication regarding identified weaknesses and opportunities to improve the policies and procedures should occur among management and the individual performing the monitoring of the procedures. District's Response: The District’s Finance Manager and District Manager are working towards using general ledger reporting exclusively for reimbursement request reporting. General ledger activity became more timely as improvements were implemented based on prior year findings. Management acknowledges delays in that pro-cess that continued as a result, to some extent, of the use of the self-developed spreadsheet reports then used for completing grant reimbursement requests. Corrective Action Plan: The District’s Finance Manager will continue to make improvements in general ledg-er recording and reporting systems so that those reports can then be used without intermediary report methods to prepare reimbursement request forms. Review of the reimbursement requests will take place within data re-ports generated directly from the general ledger. The district will engage an individual or firm to ensure that the timing and overall processes related to grant reimbursement and reporting does not result in reporting errors or omissions. . Planned Implementation Date: September 30, 2024 Responsible Person: General Manager, Umpqua Public Transit District
Finding 2023-002 - Source Documentation (Significant Deficiency) CFDA Title and Number: 20.513 (5310) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management CFDA Title and Number: 20.509 (5311) CARES 5311 Operating Assistance. Formula Grants for Rural. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200.302(b)(1) The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: Identification, in its accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. 200.302(b)(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the fi-nancial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in 200.328 and 200.329. Condition: The District prepared reimbursement calculations according to an internally developed spreadsheet tool, rather than using amounts directly obtained from the general ledger and supporting documentation Cause: General ledger data used to prepare spreadsheets, then used to complete reimbursement requests added unnecessary complexity and potential for errors in the reimbursement and request and grant reporting process. Internal control procedures assuring accurate and timely review of reports and filing of the reimbursement re-quests were not designed or implemented. Effect or Potential Effect: The lack of effective internal control activities over financial reporting could allow for inadvertent errors, such as calculation errors, payments for unauthorized purposes, and result in improper grant accounting, reporting, and reimbursement. Questioned Cost: No Context: Internal disputes regarding grant reimbursement request procedures were evident. The weak or nonex-istent controls over the reimbursement request procedures created a potential for inaccurate, incomplete report-ing. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, Findings and Questioned Costs 2022-003 Recommendation: The District should continue to improve grant accounting efforts, and establish a more simplified and effective process for the review and approval of grant accounting and reimbursement requests. Additional training of management should occur to ensure they fully understand all compliance regulations and have the skills to assist in designing and implementing effective controls. Monitoring of the control procedures related to the grant accounting and reimbursement request should be performed regularly to ensure reports are filed accurately and timely. Information and communication regarding identified weaknesses and opportunities to improve the policies and procedures should occur among management and the individual performing the monitoring of the procedures. District's Response: The District’s Finance Manager and District Manager are working towards using general ledger reporting exclusively for reimbursement request reporting. General ledger activity became more timely as improvements were implemented based on prior year findings. Management acknowledges delays in that pro-cess that continued as a result, to some extent, of the use of the self-developed spreadsheet reports then used for completing grant reimbursement requests. Corrective Action Plan: The District’s Finance Manager will continue to make improvements in general ledg-er recording and reporting systems so that those reports can then be used without intermediary report methods to prepare reimbursement request forms. Review of the reimbursement requests will take place within data re-ports generated directly from the general ledger. The district will engage an individual or firm to ensure that the timing and overall processes related to grant reimbursement and reporting does not result in reporting errors or omissions. . Planned Implementation Date: September 30, 2024 Responsible Person: General Manager, Umpqua Public Transit District
Finding 2023-002 - Source Documentation (Significant Deficiency) CFDA Title and Number: 20.513 (5310) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management CFDA Title and Number: 20.509 (5311) CARES 5311 Operating Assistance. Formula Grants for Rural. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200.302(b)(1) The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: Identification, in its accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. 200.302(b)(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the fi-nancial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in 200.328 and 200.329. Condition: The District prepared reimbursement calculations according to an internally developed spreadsheet tool, rather than using amounts directly obtained from the general ledger and supporting documentation Cause: General ledger data used to prepare spreadsheets, then used to complete reimbursement requests added unnecessary complexity and potential for errors in the reimbursement and request and grant reporting process. Internal control procedures assuring accurate and timely review of reports and filing of the reimbursement re-quests were not designed or implemented. Effect or Potential Effect: The lack of effective internal control activities over financial reporting could allow for inadvertent errors, such as calculation errors, payments for unauthorized purposes, and result in improper grant accounting, reporting, and reimbursement. Questioned Cost: No Context: Internal disputes regarding grant reimbursement request procedures were evident. The weak or nonex-istent controls over the reimbursement request procedures created a potential for inaccurate, incomplete report-ing. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, Findings and Questioned Costs 2022-003 Recommendation: The District should continue to improve grant accounting efforts, and establish a more simplified and effective process for the review and approval of grant accounting and reimbursement requests. Additional training of management should occur to ensure they fully understand all compliance regulations and have the skills to assist in designing and implementing effective controls. Monitoring of the control procedures related to the grant accounting and reimbursement request should be performed regularly to ensure reports are filed accurately and timely. Information and communication regarding identified weaknesses and opportunities to improve the policies and procedures should occur among management and the individual performing the monitoring of the procedures. District's Response: The District’s Finance Manager and District Manager are working towards using general ledger reporting exclusively for reimbursement request reporting. General ledger activity became more timely as improvements were implemented based on prior year findings. Management acknowledges delays in that pro-cess that continued as a result, to some extent, of the use of the self-developed spreadsheet reports then used for completing grant reimbursement requests. Corrective Action Plan: The District’s Finance Manager will continue to make improvements in general ledg-er recording and reporting systems so that those reports can then be used without intermediary report methods to prepare reimbursement request forms. Review of the reimbursement requests will take place within data re-ports generated directly from the general ledger. The district will engage an individual or firm to ensure that the timing and overall processes related to grant reimbursement and reporting does not result in reporting errors or omissions. . Planned Implementation Date: September 30, 2024 Responsible Person: General Manager, Umpqua Public Transit District
Finding 2023-002 - Source Documentation (Significant Deficiency) CFDA Title and Number: 20.513 (5310) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management CFDA Title and Number: 20.509 (5311) CARES 5311 Operating Assistance. Formula Grants for Rural. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200.302(b)(1) The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: Identification, in its accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. 200.302(b)(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the fi-nancial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in 200.328 and 200.329. Condition: The District prepared reimbursement calculations according to an internally developed spreadsheet tool, rather than using amounts directly obtained from the general ledger and supporting documentation Cause: General ledger data used to prepare spreadsheets, then used to complete reimbursement requests added unnecessary complexity and potential for errors in the reimbursement and request and grant reporting process. Internal control procedures assuring accurate and timely review of reports and filing of the reimbursement re-quests were not designed or implemented. Effect or Potential Effect: The lack of effective internal control activities over financial reporting could allow for inadvertent errors, such as calculation errors, payments for unauthorized purposes, and result in improper grant accounting, reporting, and reimbursement. Questioned Cost: No Context: Internal disputes regarding grant reimbursement request procedures were evident. The weak or nonex-istent controls over the reimbursement request procedures created a potential for inaccurate, incomplete report-ing. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, Findings and Questioned Costs 2022-003 Recommendation: The District should continue to improve grant accounting efforts, and establish a more simplified and effective process for the review and approval of grant accounting and reimbursement requests. Additional training of management should occur to ensure they fully understand all compliance regulations and have the skills to assist in designing and implementing effective controls. Monitoring of the control procedures related to the grant accounting and reimbursement request should be performed regularly to ensure reports are filed accurately and timely. Information and communication regarding identified weaknesses and opportunities to improve the policies and procedures should occur among management and the individual performing the monitoring of the procedures. District's Response: The District’s Finance Manager and District Manager are working towards using general ledger reporting exclusively for reimbursement request reporting. General ledger activity became more timely as improvements were implemented based on prior year findings. Management acknowledges delays in that pro-cess that continued as a result, to some extent, of the use of the self-developed spreadsheet reports then used for completing grant reimbursement requests. Corrective Action Plan: The District’s Finance Manager will continue to make improvements in general ledg-er recording and reporting systems so that those reports can then be used without intermediary report methods to prepare reimbursement request forms. Review of the reimbursement requests will take place within data re-ports generated directly from the general ledger. The district will engage an individual or firm to ensure that the timing and overall processes related to grant reimbursement and reporting does not result in reporting errors or omissions. . Planned Implementation Date: September 30, 2024 Responsible Person: General Manager, Umpqua Public Transit District
Finding 2023-002 - Source Documentation (Significant Deficiency) CFDA Title and Number: 20.513 (5310) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management CFDA Title and Number: 20.509 (5311) CARES 5311 Operating Assistance. Formula Grants for Rural. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200.302(b)(1) The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: Identification, in its accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. 200.302(b)(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the fi-nancial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in 200.328 and 200.329. Condition: The District prepared reimbursement calculations according to an internally developed spreadsheet tool, rather than using amounts directly obtained from the general ledger and supporting documentation Cause: General ledger data used to prepare spreadsheets, then used to complete reimbursement requests added unnecessary complexity and potential for errors in the reimbursement and request and grant reporting process. Internal control procedures assuring accurate and timely review of reports and filing of the reimbursement re-quests were not designed or implemented. Effect or Potential Effect: The lack of effective internal control activities over financial reporting could allow for inadvertent errors, such as calculation errors, payments for unauthorized purposes, and result in improper grant accounting, reporting, and reimbursement. Questioned Cost: No Context: Internal disputes regarding grant reimbursement request procedures were evident. The weak or nonex-istent controls over the reimbursement request procedures created a potential for inaccurate, incomplete report-ing. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, Findings and Questioned Costs 2022-003 Recommendation: The District should continue to improve grant accounting efforts, and establish a more simplified and effective process for the review and approval of grant accounting and reimbursement requests. Additional training of management should occur to ensure they fully understand all compliance regulations and have the skills to assist in designing and implementing effective controls. Monitoring of the control procedures related to the grant accounting and reimbursement request should be performed regularly to ensure reports are filed accurately and timely. Information and communication regarding identified weaknesses and opportunities to improve the policies and procedures should occur among management and the individual performing the monitoring of the procedures. District's Response: The District’s Finance Manager and District Manager are working towards using general ledger reporting exclusively for reimbursement request reporting. General ledger activity became more timely as improvements were implemented based on prior year findings. Management acknowledges delays in that pro-cess that continued as a result, to some extent, of the use of the self-developed spreadsheet reports then used for completing grant reimbursement requests. Corrective Action Plan: The District’s Finance Manager will continue to make improvements in general ledg-er recording and reporting systems so that those reports can then be used without intermediary report methods to prepare reimbursement request forms. Review of the reimbursement requests will take place within data re-ports generated directly from the general ledger. The district will engage an individual or firm to ensure that the timing and overall processes related to grant reimbursement and reporting does not result in reporting errors or omissions. . Planned Implementation Date: September 30, 2024 Responsible Person: General Manager, Umpqua Public Transit District
Finding 2023-002 - Source Documentation (Significant Deficiency) CFDA Title and Number: 20.513 (5310) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management CFDA Title and Number: 20.509 (5311) CARES 5311 Operating Assistance. Formula Grants for Rural. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200.302(b)(1) The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: Identification, in its accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. 200.302(b)(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the fi-nancial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in 200.328 and 200.329. Condition: The District prepared reimbursement calculations according to an internally developed spreadsheet tool, rather than using amounts directly obtained from the general ledger and supporting documentation Cause: General ledger data used to prepare spreadsheets, then used to complete reimbursement requests added unnecessary complexity and potential for errors in the reimbursement and request and grant reporting process. Internal control procedures assuring accurate and timely review of reports and filing of the reimbursement re-quests were not designed or implemented. Effect or Potential Effect: The lack of effective internal control activities over financial reporting could allow for inadvertent errors, such as calculation errors, payments for unauthorized purposes, and result in improper grant accounting, reporting, and reimbursement. Questioned Cost: No Context: Internal disputes regarding grant reimbursement request procedures were evident. The weak or nonex-istent controls over the reimbursement request procedures created a potential for inaccurate, incomplete report-ing. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, Findings and Questioned Costs 2022-003 Recommendation: The District should continue to improve grant accounting efforts, and establish a more simplified and effective process for the review and approval of grant accounting and reimbursement requests. Additional training of management should occur to ensure they fully understand all compliance regulations and have the skills to assist in designing and implementing effective controls. Monitoring of the control procedures related to the grant accounting and reimbursement request should be performed regularly to ensure reports are filed accurately and timely. Information and communication regarding identified weaknesses and opportunities to improve the policies and procedures should occur among management and the individual performing the monitoring of the procedures. District's Response: The District’s Finance Manager and District Manager are working towards using general ledger reporting exclusively for reimbursement request reporting. General ledger activity became more timely as improvements were implemented based on prior year findings. Management acknowledges delays in that pro-cess that continued as a result, to some extent, of the use of the self-developed spreadsheet reports then used for completing grant reimbursement requests. Corrective Action Plan: The District’s Finance Manager will continue to make improvements in general ledg-er recording and reporting systems so that those reports can then be used without intermediary report methods to prepare reimbursement request forms. Review of the reimbursement requests will take place within data re-ports generated directly from the general ledger. The district will engage an individual or firm to ensure that the timing and overall processes related to grant reimbursement and reporting does not result in reporting errors or omissions. . Planned Implementation Date: September 30, 2024 Responsible Person: General Manager, Umpqua Public Transit District
Finding 2023-002 - Source Documentation (Significant Deficiency) CFDA Title and Number: 20.513 (5310) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management CFDA Title and Number: 20.509 (5311) CARES 5311 Operating Assistance. Formula Grants for Rural. Name of Federal Agency: Transit Services Program Cluster Internal Control over Compliance: Cash Management Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200.302(b)(1) The financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide for the following: Identification, in its accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. 200.302(b)(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the fi-nancial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in 200.328 and 200.329. Condition: The District prepared reimbursement calculations according to an internally developed spreadsheet tool, rather than using amounts directly obtained from the general ledger and supporting documentation Cause: General ledger data used to prepare spreadsheets, then used to complete reimbursement requests added unnecessary complexity and potential for errors in the reimbursement and request and grant reporting process. Internal control procedures assuring accurate and timely review of reports and filing of the reimbursement re-quests were not designed or implemented. Effect or Potential Effect: The lack of effective internal control activities over financial reporting could allow for inadvertent errors, such as calculation errors, payments for unauthorized purposes, and result in improper grant accounting, reporting, and reimbursement. Questioned Cost: No Context: Internal disputes regarding grant reimbursement request procedures were evident. The weak or nonex-istent controls over the reimbursement request procedures created a potential for inaccurate, incomplete report-ing. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, Findings and Questioned Costs 2022-003 Recommendation: The District should continue to improve grant accounting efforts, and establish a more simplified and effective process for the review and approval of grant accounting and reimbursement requests. Additional training of management should occur to ensure they fully understand all compliance regulations and have the skills to assist in designing and implementing effective controls. Monitoring of the control procedures related to the grant accounting and reimbursement request should be performed regularly to ensure reports are filed accurately and timely. Information and communication regarding identified weaknesses and opportunities to improve the policies and procedures should occur among management and the individual performing the monitoring of the procedures. District's Response: The District’s Finance Manager and District Manager are working towards using general ledger reporting exclusively for reimbursement request reporting. General ledger activity became more timely as improvements were implemented based on prior year findings. Management acknowledges delays in that pro-cess that continued as a result, to some extent, of the use of the self-developed spreadsheet reports then used for completing grant reimbursement requests. Corrective Action Plan: The District’s Finance Manager will continue to make improvements in general ledg-er recording and reporting systems so that those reports can then be used without intermediary report methods to prepare reimbursement request forms. Review of the reimbursement requests will take place within data re-ports generated directly from the general ledger. The district will engage an individual or firm to ensure that the timing and overall processes related to grant reimbursement and reporting does not result in reporting errors or omissions. . Planned Implementation Date: September 30, 2024 Responsible Person: General Manager, Umpqua Public Transit District
Finding Reference 2023-005 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Pass-Through Agency: Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency of Puerto Rico (COR3) Program: Disaster Grants – Public Assistance (Presidentially Declared Disaster) (ALN 97.036) Compliance Requirement: Reporting (L) Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls (SD), Instance of Noncompliance (NC) Statement of Condition In our Reporting Test, we evaluated the Quarterly Progress Reports of a total of nine (9) projects for two quarters of fiscal year 2022-2023. During our audit procedures, we noted that the reports did not agree with the accounting and project records. Criteria 2 CFR 200.302 (a) stated that the state’s and the other non-Federal entity’s financial management system, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Also, 2 CFR 200.302 (b) (2) states that the financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. Cause of Condition The Municipality accounting controls and procedures fail to ensure accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of federal assisted activities. Effect of Condition The expenses reported in the Quarterly Progress Reports do not agree with the accounting records. Recommendation We recommend that Program Administrators to reconcile the differences between the quarterly report and the accounting records before the submission of the next submission to the pass-through entity. Questioned Cost None Prior Year Finding No Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action We concur with the finding. Quarterly Progress Reports for large projects will be prospectively adjusted to reflect expenditures incurred over the reporting period Implementation Date: March 31, 2025 Responsible Person: Belinda Álvarez Finance Director
2023-004 Late Submission of and Discrepancies within Final Expenditure Reports Program Name/ Assistance Listing Number: 93. 959 Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Federal Award Identification: Unknown Type of Finding: Material Weakness Compliance Requirement: Reporting Criteria: According to 2 CFR §200.302, entities that receive federal awards must have accurate financial management systems that allow for the preparation of reports that reflect accurate, current, and complete disclosure of financial results. Additionally, 2 CFR §200.415(a) requires that financial reports must be based on the accounting records and accurately reflect the actual expenditures incurred. Furthermore, 2 CFR §200.328(b)(1) states that federal grant recipients are required to submit performance and financial reports within 90 days following the end of the grant period, unless an extension has been granted by the funding agency. Timely submission of these reports is essential to demonstrate compliance with grant terms and conditions. Condition: The auditor noted that certain expenditures in the final expenditures report submitted by the Organization exceeded the actual expenditures recorded in the general ledger and/or exceeded the grant budget. In addition, the auditor also noted that final reports were submitted to funding sources at least 5 months (150 days) after the end of the grant period. This suggests that Cleveland UMADAOP did not submit the reports within the required timeframe and may not have an effective process in place to track and meet reporting deadlines. Cause of Condition: The discrepancies appear to be the result of inadequate reconciliation processes between the general ledger and the financial reports. This may have been compounded by the misunderstanding of reporting requirements, leading to the inclusion of inaccurate figures in the final expenditures report. In addition, the late submission of final reports appears to result from the absence of a robust process for monitoring and tracking reporting deadlines. This may also indicate inadequate internal controls or insufficient staffing dedicated to managing grant compliance and reporting responsibilities. Effect: Reporting expenditures in excess of actual amounts may lead to non-compliance with federal grant requirements, and could result in questioned costs and potential disallowance of funds. Moreover, such inaccuracies undermine the reliability of financial reports and could impair the organization’s credibility with federal agencies and other stakeholders. In addition, failure to submit timely reports can lead to non-compliance with grant agreements, which may result in funding delays, penalties, or even the potential loss of future funding opportunities. Furthermore, late submissions may strain relationships with funding sources and damage the Organization’s reputation. Questioned Cost: $114,860 Recommendation: Cleveland UMADAOP should enhance its reconciliation procedures to ensure that reported expenditures accurately reflect actual amounts spent as recorded in the general ledger. Implementing a robust review process prior to the submission of final expenditure reports will help prevent discrepancies and ensure compliance with federal grant requirements. Additionally, the Organization should implement a formal process to track and monitor all reporting deadlines associated with its grants. This process could include a centralized calendar, regular reminders, and a designated individual or team responsible for ensuring that all reports are completed and submitted on time. Additionally, the Organization should consider conducting training for staff involved in grant management and financial reporting to reinforce the importance of adhering to reporting deadlines andcompliance to requirements. Description of the Nature and Extent of Issues Reported: We consider the following materiality for consideration of materialnoncompliance for the major program 93.959 at 5% of the totalawards expended amounting to $51,253. View of Responsible Official: Management agrees with the finding and will implement corrective action.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013, S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include proper segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by one employee without documentation to support an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. In addition, the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for any of the information contained in the six reports submitted during the audit period. Ledgers and reimbursement requests were used to verify the information in three of the six reports; however, the other three reports could not be substantiated. The following errors were noted: The ESSER II, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 1 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the three reports noted above. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records, were not accurate and complete, and were not mathematically accurate. Additionally, key line items were not supported by the records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting documentation is used and retained for all required reports submitted on behalf of the Education Stabilization Fund program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013, S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include proper segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by one employee without documentation to support an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. In addition, the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for any of the information contained in the six reports submitted during the audit period. Ledgers and reimbursement requests were used to verify the information in three of the six reports; however, the other three reports could not be substantiated. The following errors were noted: The ESSER II, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 1 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the three reports noted above. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records, were not accurate and complete, and were not mathematically accurate. Additionally, key line items were not supported by the records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting documentation is used and retained for all required reports submitted on behalf of the Education Stabilization Fund program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013, S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include proper segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by one employee without documentation to support an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. In addition, the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for any of the information contained in the six reports submitted during the audit period. Ledgers and reimbursement requests were used to verify the information in three of the six reports; however, the other three reports could not be substantiated. The following errors were noted: The ESSER II, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 1 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the three reports noted above. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records, were not accurate and complete, and were not mathematically accurate. Additionally, key line items were not supported by the records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting documentation is used and retained for all required reports submitted on behalf of the Education Stabilization Fund program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013, S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include proper segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by one employee without documentation to support an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. In addition, the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for any of the information contained in the six reports submitted during the audit period. Ledgers and reimbursement requests were used to verify the information in three of the six reports; however, the other three reports could not be substantiated. The following errors were noted: The ESSER II, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 1 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the three reports noted above. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records, were not accurate and complete, and were not mathematically accurate. Additionally, key line items were not supported by the records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting documentation is used and retained for all required reports submitted on behalf of the Education Stabilization Fund program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013, S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include proper segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by one employee without documentation to support an oversight or review process to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. In addition, the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for any of the information contained in the six reports submitted during the audit period. Ledgers and reimbursement requests were used to verify the information in three of the six reports; however, the other three reports could not be substantiated. The following errors were noted: The ESSER II, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 1 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The ESSER III, Year 2 report was not supported by the School Corporation's records, was not accurate and complete, and was not mathematically accurate. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the three reports noted above. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records, were not accurate and complete, and were not mathematically accurate. Additionally, key line items were not supported by the records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting documentation is used and retained for all required reports submitted on behalf of the Education Stabilization Fund program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004 Subject: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers - Cash Management, Program Income and Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers Assistance Listings Number: 84.287 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): A58-1-21DL-0153, A58-1-21DL-5176, A58-2-22DL-0018, A58-3-23DL-0027 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Cash Management, Program Income, and Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation utilized grant funds to operate an After School Care Safe Harbor Program. As part of the programs, the students were charged monthly fees to help cover the related costs. Per the grant guidelines, families cannot be turned away for nonpayment of fees, and any fees collected are to be reinvested into the programs. Reimbursement requests are to deduct the program income received from allowable costs prior to claiming reimbursement. During the audit period, the School Corporation collected fees for the Before School Care Program and the After School Care Safe Harbor Program in the same manner. Fees collected for both programs were collected and receipted into the After School fund. For the years ended June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the School Corporation receipted a total of $45,723 and $41,513, respectively, into the After School fund. Cash Management The School Corporation submitted 18 reimbursement requests in the audit period. Costs were paid prior to requesting reimbursement as required; however, due to the lack of adequate program income records the reimbursements were not reduced by the program income received. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Program Income Although the School Corporation received approval from the grantor agency to collect program income, the School Corporation did not properly track students' attendance and payments, both if paid and how much paid; therefore, we were unable to determine the amount of program income related to each program. Additionally, the School Corporation did not maintain program income in a separate fund but comingled it with other nongrant funded program revenues. Finally, the School Corporation did not deduct program income from allowable costs prior to claiming reimbursement. Reporting Reimbursement Requests The School Corporation submitted 18 reimbursement requests in the audit period. Of those, 3 reimbursement requests were selected for testing. Of the 3 reimbursement requests inspected, none were reduced by program income received, and 1 was not properly supported by School Corporation records. The reimbursement was overstated by $14,700 when compared to the ledger. Based on additional procedures performed, the total requested reimbursements for the audit period were understated by $32,605 when compared to the ledger. Year End Reports End of Year reports are to be submitted within 60 days of the contract end date. A total of four End of Year Reports were submitted in the audit period and two were selected for testing. Of the two End of Year reports selected for testing, neither properly included program income received during the year due to inadequate tracking of program income. The lack of controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.305(b)(5) states in part: "To the extent available, the non-Federal entity must disburse funds available from program income (including repayments to a revolving fund), rebates, refunds, contract settlements, audit recoveries, and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.307 states in part: "(a) General. Non-Federal entities are encouraged to earn income to defray program costs where appropriate. . . . (e) Use of program income. If the Federal awarding agency does not specify in its regulations or the terms and conditions of the Federal award, or give prior approval for how program income is to be used, paragraph (e)(1) of this section must apply. For Federal awards made to IHEs and nonprofit research institutions, if the Federal awarding agency does not specify in its regulations or the terms and conditions of the Federal award how program income is to be used, paragraph (e)(2) of this section must apply. In specifying alternatives to paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section, the Federal awarding agency may distinguish between income earned by the recipient and income earned by subrecipients and between the sources, kinds, or amounts of income. When the Federal awarding agency authorizes the approaches in paragraphs (e)(2) and (3) of this section, program income in excess of any amounts specified must also be deducted from expenditures. (1) Deduction. Ordinarily program income must be deducted from total allowable costs to determine the net allowable costs. Program income must be used for current costs unless the Federal awarding agency authorizes otherwise. Program income that the non- Federal entity did not anticipate at the time of the Federal award must be used to reduce the Federal award and non- Federal entity contributions rather than to increase the funds committed to the project. (2) Addition. With prior approval of the Federal awarding agency (except for IHEs and nonprofit research institutions, as described in this paragraph (e)) program income may be added to the Federal award by the Federal agency and the non-Federal entity. The program income must be used for the purposes and under the conditions of the Federal award. (3) Cost sharing or matching. With prior approval of the Federal awarding agency, program income may be used to meet the cost sharing or matching requirement of the Federal award. The amount of the Federal award remains the same. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, program income was not properly documented resulting in noncompliance with the Cash Management, Program Income, and Reporting compliance requirements. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding by the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure proper tracking of program income to ensure all activity and reports submitted on behalf of the Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers program funds are accurate. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004 Subject: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers - Cash Management, Program Income and Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers Assistance Listings Number: 84.287 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): A58-1-21DL-0153, A58-1-21DL-5176, A58-2-22DL-0018, A58-3-23DL-0027 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Cash Management, Program Income, and Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation utilized grant funds to operate an After School Care Safe Harbor Program. As part of the programs, the students were charged monthly fees to help cover the related costs. Per the grant guidelines, families cannot be turned away for nonpayment of fees, and any fees collected are to be reinvested into the programs. Reimbursement requests are to deduct the program income received from allowable costs prior to claiming reimbursement. During the audit period, the School Corporation collected fees for the Before School Care Program and the After School Care Safe Harbor Program in the same manner. Fees collected for both programs were collected and receipted into the After School fund. For the years ended June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the School Corporation receipted a total of $45,723 and $41,513, respectively, into the After School fund. Cash Management The School Corporation submitted 18 reimbursement requests in the audit period. Costs were paid prior to requesting reimbursement as required; however, due to the lack of adequate program income records the reimbursements were not reduced by the program income received. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Program Income Although the School Corporation received approval from the grantor agency to collect program income, the School Corporation did not properly track students' attendance and payments, both if paid and how much paid; therefore, we were unable to determine the amount of program income related to each program. Additionally, the School Corporation did not maintain program income in a separate fund but comingled it with other nongrant funded program revenues. Finally, the School Corporation did not deduct program income from allowable costs prior to claiming reimbursement. Reporting Reimbursement Requests The School Corporation submitted 18 reimbursement requests in the audit period. Of those, 3 reimbursement requests were selected for testing. Of the 3 reimbursement requests inspected, none were reduced by program income received, and 1 was not properly supported by School Corporation records. The reimbursement was overstated by $14,700 when compared to the ledger. Based on additional procedures performed, the total requested reimbursements for the audit period were understated by $32,605 when compared to the ledger. Year End Reports End of Year reports are to be submitted within 60 days of the contract end date. A total of four End of Year Reports were submitted in the audit period and two were selected for testing. Of the two End of Year reports selected for testing, neither properly included program income received during the year due to inadequate tracking of program income. The lack of controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.305(b)(5) states in part: "To the extent available, the non-Federal entity must disburse funds available from program income (including repayments to a revolving fund), rebates, refunds, contract settlements, audit recoveries, and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.307 states in part: "(a) General. Non-Federal entities are encouraged to earn income to defray program costs where appropriate. . . . (e) Use of program income. If the Federal awarding agency does not specify in its regulations or the terms and conditions of the Federal award, or give prior approval for how program income is to be used, paragraph (e)(1) of this section must apply. For Federal awards made to IHEs and nonprofit research institutions, if the Federal awarding agency does not specify in its regulations or the terms and conditions of the Federal award how program income is to be used, paragraph (e)(2) of this section must apply. In specifying alternatives to paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section, the Federal awarding agency may distinguish between income earned by the recipient and income earned by subrecipients and between the sources, kinds, or amounts of income. When the Federal awarding agency authorizes the approaches in paragraphs (e)(2) and (3) of this section, program income in excess of any amounts specified must also be deducted from expenditures. (1) Deduction. Ordinarily program income must be deducted from total allowable costs to determine the net allowable costs. Program income must be used for current costs unless the Federal awarding agency authorizes otherwise. Program income that the non- Federal entity did not anticipate at the time of the Federal award must be used to reduce the Federal award and non- Federal entity contributions rather than to increase the funds committed to the project. (2) Addition. With prior approval of the Federal awarding agency (except for IHEs and nonprofit research institutions, as described in this paragraph (e)) program income may be added to the Federal award by the Federal agency and the non-Federal entity. The program income must be used for the purposes and under the conditions of the Federal award. (3) Cost sharing or matching. With prior approval of the Federal awarding agency, program income may be used to meet the cost sharing or matching requirement of the Federal award. The amount of the Federal award remains the same. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, program income was not properly documented resulting in noncompliance with the Cash Management, Program Income, and Reporting compliance requirements. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding by the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure proper tracking of program income to ensure all activity and reports submitted on behalf of the Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers program funds are accurate. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 5120S425U210013, S425U200013, S425V200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 33 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. Two of the six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The following errors were identified: The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $4,608,835 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $4,560,160. The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $118,103 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $317,536. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to these two reports. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records and were not accurate and complete. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 5120S425U210013, S425U200013, S425V200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 33 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. Two of the six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The following errors were identified: The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $4,608,835 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $4,560,160. The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $118,103 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $317,536. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to these two reports. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records and were not accurate and complete. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 5120S425U210013, S425U200013, S425V200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 33 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. Two of the six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The following errors were identified: The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $4,608,835 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $4,560,160. The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $118,103 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $317,536. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to these two reports. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records and were not accurate and complete. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 5120S425U210013, S425U200013, S425V200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 33 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. Two of the six reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The following errors were identified: The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $4,608,835 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $4,560,160. The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had covered the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $118,103 in total expenditures. However, the School Corporation's ledger for the same period had total expenditures of $317,536. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to these two reports. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 MICHIGAN CITY AREA SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, ESSER reports were not supported by the School Corporation's records and were not accurate and complete. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
CONDITION: The District did not properly record its federal program expenditures for the ESSER and ARP ESER federal grant programs using the various funding source expenditure codes as prescribed by the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. This is a repeat finding from (2022-003) from the previous fiscal year. CRITERIA: The financial management system of the District must provide for 1) identification in it’s accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received, and 2) accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329 of the Uniform Guidance. EFFECT: The District was not in compliance with the financial reporting requirements in the Chart of Accounts for PA Local Educational Agencies maintained by the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations and well as Section 2 CFR 200.302(a) of the Uniform Guidance. CAUSE: The District experienced turnover in key business office personnel during the last two fiscal years, which resulted in errors in posting federal expenditures to the appropriate general ledger account codes. This further lead to inaccurate reporting as outlined above. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the District properly follow the guidance contained within the PA Office of the Budget, Office of Comptroller Operations Chart of Accounts for recording all expenditures of the District, most specifically, federal program grant expenditures to 1) enhance internal controls for tracking and monitoring federal program expenditures and 2) comply with the recordkeeping requirements for federal funds as specified in 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance and PDE regulations. VIEW OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: See Correction Action Plan
Finding 2023-006 Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 Financial reporting . . . . 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the reporting compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Management misinterpreted the instructions for the reporting requirements and believed that they did not need to fill in the expense information as an LEA. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation was required to submit one Annual Data Report for each year in the audit period to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. Amounts reported on each ESSER I Annual Data Report did not agree to underlying detail for the ESSER I grant. ESSER I was overstated on the Year 3 report by $76,231. The finding is isolated to the S425D200013 award (ESSER I). Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Condition The required Annual Project and Expenditure (P & E) Report was submitted after its due date. The report was required for the annual period ended March 31, 2023 and was due on April 30, 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.328 and 31 CFR section 35.4(c) required financial and performance reporting information. The information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. Effect The Municipality did not comply with compliance requirements of the Program. It could affect the monitories of the Federal Awarding Agency assign the funds and affect the program outcomes. Cause The Municipality failed in submission of the required report on its due date due to the lack of knowledge of requisites and instructions about the completion of the report. Questioned Costs Not determined. Recommendation The Municipality should maintain the schedule of due dates of the required reports of each federal program in order to comply with the required submissions to the federal awarding agencies.
Condition The required Annual Project and Expenditure (P & E) Report was submitted after its due date. The report was required for the annual period ended March 31, 2023 and was due on April 30, 2023. Criteria 2 CFR 200.328 and 31 CFR section 35.4(c) required financial and performance reporting information. The information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. Effect The Municipality did not comply with compliance requirements of the Program. It could affect the monitories of the Federal Awarding Agency assign the funds and affect the program outcomes. Cause The Municipality failed in submission of the required report on its due date due to the lack of knowledge of requisites and instructions about the completion of the report. Questioned Costs Not determined. Recommendation The Municipality should maintain the schedule of due dates of the required reports of each federal program in order to comply with the required submissions to the federal awarding agencies.
Finding 2023-002 – Internal Controls Over Reporting (Material Weakness) Condition: The City did not report accurate expenditures during the year in its Project and Expenditure Quarterly Reports for the uses of ARPA funding. The reports contained incorrect project amounts and expenditure classifications due to internal control failures, including insufficient review by someone other than the preparer. Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(3) and 2 CFR 200.328, recipients of federal funds are required to maintain accurate financial records and report expenditures in accordance with federal award terms. Specifically, recipients of ARPA funding are required to submit accurate quarterly Project and Expenditure Reports to provide transparency and ensure funds are used in compliance with allowable purposes. Cause: The inaccuracies resulted from a lack of sufficient internal controls over the reporting process. Specifically: No independent review was performed to validate the accuracy and completeness of the quarterly reports. Documentation of the expenditure allocation process was not consistently maintained to support the reported amounts. Effect: The lack of accurate reporting undermines compliance with the reporting requirements of the federal award. Although no unallowable costs were identified, the inaccuracies may necessitate correction of reported amounts in the future. Recommendation: We recommend that the City strengthen its internal controls over the reporting process by: 1. Implementing a formal review process where quarterly reports are reviewed and approved by a designated individual other than the preparer. 2. Establishing a documented process for reconciling expenditures reported to the underlying accounting records and federal award guidelines. 3. Providing training to staff responsible for the preparation and review of federal compliance reports to ensure familiarity with reporting requirements. Management’s Response: See Corrective Action Plan.
5. Final Expenditure Reporting Finding Number: 2023-010 Assistance Listing Number and Title: AL # 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Award Identification Number / Year: 2023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Pass-Through Entity: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Repeat Finding from Prior Audit? No Noncompliance and Material Weakness 2 CFR § 3474.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Education for 2 CFR § 200.328 which provides the Federal awarding agency may solicit only the standard, OMB-approved government wide data elements for collection of financial information. This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. The Ohio Department of Education Grants Manual requires, at the end of the grant period, that entities submit a final expenditure report (FER). A FER must be submitted to show how grant funds were expended during the grant period. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER, AL # 84.425U), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II, AL # 84.425D), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. This variance was due to improper monitoring. The failure to properly report expenditures to the grantor can result in corrective action taken by the grantor and obfuscates the true nature of the grants use. The Treasurer should review the annual Final Expenditure Reports and verify the correct information is provided to the grantor. This information should be reconciled to the underlying system reports. Material Weakness and Noncompliance documented in Federal Finding 2023-006 in Section 3 above pertaining to ESSER funding contributed to the reporting error.
5. Final Expenditure Reporting Finding Number: 2023-010 Assistance Listing Number and Title: AL # 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Award Identification Number / Year: 2023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Pass-Through Entity: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Repeat Finding from Prior Audit? No Noncompliance and Material Weakness 2 CFR § 3474.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Education for 2 CFR § 200.328 which provides the Federal awarding agency may solicit only the standard, OMB-approved government wide data elements for collection of financial information. This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. The Ohio Department of Education Grants Manual requires, at the end of the grant period, that entities submit a final expenditure report (FER). A FER must be submitted to show how grant funds were expended during the grant period. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER, AL # 84.425U), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II, AL # 84.425D), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. This variance was due to improper monitoring. The failure to properly report expenditures to the grantor can result in corrective action taken by the grantor and obfuscates the true nature of the grants use. The Treasurer should review the annual Final Expenditure Reports and verify the correct information is provided to the grantor. This information should be reconciled to the underlying system reports. Material Weakness and Noncompliance documented in Federal Finding 2023-006 in Section 3 above pertaining to ESSER funding contributed to the reporting error.
5. Final Expenditure Reporting Finding Number: 2023-010 Assistance Listing Number and Title: AL # 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Award Identification Number / Year: 2023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Pass-Through Entity: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Repeat Finding from Prior Audit? No Noncompliance and Material Weakness 2 CFR § 3474.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Education for 2 CFR § 200.328 which provides the Federal awarding agency may solicit only the standard, OMB-approved government wide data elements for collection of financial information. This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. The Ohio Department of Education Grants Manual requires, at the end of the grant period, that entities submit a final expenditure report (FER). A FER must be submitted to show how grant funds were expended during the grant period. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER, AL # 84.425U), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II, AL # 84.425D), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. This variance was due to improper monitoring. The failure to properly report expenditures to the grantor can result in corrective action taken by the grantor and obfuscates the true nature of the grants use. The Treasurer should review the annual Final Expenditure Reports and verify the correct information is provided to the grantor. This information should be reconciled to the underlying system reports. Material Weakness and Noncompliance documented in Federal Finding 2023-006 in Section 3 above pertaining to ESSER funding contributed to the reporting error.
5. Final Expenditure Reporting Finding Number: 2023-010 Assistance Listing Number and Title: AL # 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Award Identification Number / Year: 2023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Pass-Through Entity: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Repeat Finding from Prior Audit? No Noncompliance and Material Weakness 2 CFR § 3474.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Education for 2 CFR § 200.328 which provides the Federal awarding agency may solicit only the standard, OMB-approved government wide data elements for collection of financial information. This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. The Ohio Department of Education Grants Manual requires, at the end of the grant period, that entities submit a final expenditure report (FER). A FER must be submitted to show how grant funds were expended during the grant period. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER, AL # 84.425U), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II, AL # 84.425D), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. This variance was due to improper monitoring. The failure to properly report expenditures to the grantor can result in corrective action taken by the grantor and obfuscates the true nature of the grants use. The Treasurer should review the annual Final Expenditure Reports and verify the correct information is provided to the grantor. This information should be reconciled to the underlying system reports. Material Weakness and Noncompliance documented in Federal Finding 2023-006 in Section 3 above pertaining to ESSER funding contributed to the reporting error.
5. Final Expenditure Reporting Finding Number: 2023-010 Assistance Listing Number and Title: AL # 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund Federal Award Identification Number / Year: 2023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Pass-Through Entity: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Repeat Finding from Prior Audit? No Noncompliance and Material Weakness 2 CFR § 3474.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Education for 2 CFR § 200.328 which provides the Federal awarding agency may solicit only the standard, OMB-approved government wide data elements for collection of financial information. This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting. The Ohio Department of Education Grants Manual requires, at the end of the grant period, that entities submit a final expenditure report (FER). A FER must be submitted to show how grant funds were expended during the grant period. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER, AL # 84.425U), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. The amounts by object code submitted by the District in the Final Expenditure Report for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II, AL # 84.425D), grant year 2023, varied from the underlying system data. This variance was due to improper monitoring. The failure to properly report expenditures to the grantor can result in corrective action taken by the grantor and obfuscates the true nature of the grants use. The Treasurer should review the annual Final Expenditure Reports and verify the correct information is provided to the grantor. This information should be reconciled to the underlying system reports. Material Weakness and Noncompliance documented in Federal Finding 2023-006 in Section 3 above pertaining to ESSER funding contributed to the reporting error.
2023-007 — Reporting – Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-005, 2021-002 and 2020-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.328, nonfederal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually as required by the terms of the federal award. In addition, ALN 84.425 requires quarterly expenditure and budget reports. Condition: The College did not submit annual performance reports on time for all three programs. The annual report for ALN 84.031 was inaccurate. In addition, two quarterly reports required for ALN 84.425 were not submitted timely. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that the reports were completed timely and accurately. Effect: The three annual reports and two quarterly reports examined were submitted after the required time and one report was inaccurate. Questioned Costs: None Context: The annual reports and two quarterly reports were not submitted timely and one report was not accurate. Recommendation: The College should ensure that all grant reports are prepared in a timely manner and are accurate. Management’s Response: The College will ensure that all grant reports are reviewed in detail and information reported will be traced to the source reports by the reviewer. The College also implemented policies and procedures to ensure all grant reports are submitted prior to the due date.
2023-007 — Reporting – Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-005, 2021-002 and 2020-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.328, nonfederal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually as required by the terms of the federal award. In addition, ALN 84.425 requires quarterly expenditure and budget reports. Condition: The College did not submit annual performance reports on time for all three programs. The annual report for ALN 84.031 was inaccurate. In addition, two quarterly reports required for ALN 84.425 were not submitted timely. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that the reports were completed timely and accurately. Effect: The three annual reports and two quarterly reports examined were submitted after the required time and one report was inaccurate. Questioned Costs: None Context: The annual reports and two quarterly reports were not submitted timely and one report was not accurate. Recommendation: The College should ensure that all grant reports are prepared in a timely manner and are accurate. Management’s Response: The College will ensure that all grant reports are reviewed in detail and information reported will be traced to the source reports by the reviewer. The College also implemented policies and procedures to ensure all grant reports are submitted prior to the due date.
2023-007 — Reporting – Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-005, 2021-002 and 2020-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.328, nonfederal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually as required by the terms of the federal award. In addition, ALN 84.425 requires quarterly expenditure and budget reports. Condition: The College did not submit annual performance reports on time for all three programs. The annual report for ALN 84.031 was inaccurate. In addition, two quarterly reports required for ALN 84.425 were not submitted timely. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that the reports were completed timely and accurately. Effect: The three annual reports and two quarterly reports examined were submitted after the required time and one report was inaccurate. Questioned Costs: None Context: The annual reports and two quarterly reports were not submitted timely and one report was not accurate. Recommendation: The College should ensure that all grant reports are prepared in a timely manner and are accurate. Management’s Response: The College will ensure that all grant reports are reviewed in detail and information reported will be traced to the source reports by the reviewer. The College also implemented policies and procedures to ensure all grant reports are submitted prior to the due date.
2023-007 — Reporting – Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-005, 2021-002 and 2020-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.328, nonfederal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually as required by the terms of the federal award. In addition, ALN 84.425 requires quarterly expenditure and budget reports. Condition: The College did not submit annual performance reports on time for all three programs. The annual report for ALN 84.031 was inaccurate. In addition, two quarterly reports required for ALN 84.425 were not submitted timely. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that the reports were completed timely and accurately. Effect: The three annual reports and two quarterly reports examined were submitted after the required time and one report was inaccurate. Questioned Costs: None Context: The annual reports and two quarterly reports were not submitted timely and one report was not accurate. Recommendation: The College should ensure that all grant reports are prepared in a timely manner and are accurate. Management’s Response: The College will ensure that all grant reports are reviewed in detail and information reported will be traced to the source reports by the reviewer. The College also implemented policies and procedures to ensure all grant reports are submitted prior to the due date.
2023-007 — Reporting – Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-005, 2021-002 and 2020-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.328, nonfederal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually as required by the terms of the federal award. In addition, ALN 84.425 requires quarterly expenditure and budget reports. Condition: The College did not submit annual performance reports on time for all three programs. The annual report for ALN 84.031 was inaccurate. In addition, two quarterly reports required for ALN 84.425 were not submitted timely. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that the reports were completed timely and accurately. Effect: The three annual reports and two quarterly reports examined were submitted after the required time and one report was inaccurate. Questioned Costs: None Context: The annual reports and two quarterly reports were not submitted timely and one report was not accurate. Recommendation: The College should ensure that all grant reports are prepared in a timely manner and are accurate. Management’s Response: The College will ensure that all grant reports are reviewed in detail and information reported will be traced to the source reports by the reviewer. The College also implemented policies and procedures to ensure all grant reports are submitted prior to the due date.
2023-007 — Reporting – Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance (Repeat of Finding 2022-005, 2021-002 and 2020-004) Federal program information: Funding agencies: U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Education Titles: Assistance to Tribally Controlled Community Colleges; Higher Education Institutional Aid; and Education Stabilization Fund ALN Number: 15.027, 84.031, and 84.425 Award years: Various Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.328, nonfederal entities may be required to submit performance reports at least annually as required by the terms of the federal award. In addition, ALN 84.425 requires quarterly expenditure and budget reports. Condition: The College did not submit annual performance reports on time for all three programs. The annual report for ALN 84.031 was inaccurate. In addition, two quarterly reports required for ALN 84.425 were not submitted timely. Cause: The College did not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that the reports were completed timely and accurately. Effect: The three annual reports and two quarterly reports examined were submitted after the required time and one report was inaccurate. Questioned Costs: None Context: The annual reports and two quarterly reports were not submitted timely and one report was not accurate. Recommendation: The College should ensure that all grant reports are prepared in a timely manner and are accurate. Management’s Response: The College will ensure that all grant reports are reviewed in detail and information reported will be traced to the source reports by the reviewer. The College also implemented policies and procedures to ensure all grant reports are submitted prior to the due date.
Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: Department of the Treasury Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Program Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Award Year: July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 Condition: During our audit, we noted that the Project and Expenditures Report was not submitted to the Department of the Treasury in a timely manner. Criteria: The City must fill out and submit the Project and Expenditures Report by April 30 of each fiscal year that they receive Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (2 CFR 200.328 & 31 CFR section35.4(c)). Effect: The City did not submit its required annual report for the fiscal year 2023. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The City had turnover in its upper management that handled this duty during the time that the report was due to be submitted and so it was never completed. Auditors’ Recommendation: We recommend that the City ensure that it has more than one position responsible for submitting these annual reports to the federal government to ensure that they are always completed even if one position is vacant. Agency’s Response: The City of acknowledges the audit finding regarding the untimely submission of the Project Expenditure Report for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program. The report for fiscal year 2023 was not submitted due to turnover in upper management and the grants manager position, resulting in the report being neither completed nor submitted during that time. Since taking office in fiscal year 2024, the current Finance Director has prioritized compliance with federal reporting requirements. As of fiscal year 2025, all required project and expenditures reporting has been completed and submitted in accordance with U.S. Department of Treasury guidelines. To prevent future occurrences, the Finance Department has implemented internal controls ensuring multiple staff members are responsible for federal reporting. Specifically, both the Finance Director and the Financial Analyst now share the responsibility and authority to complete and submit these annual reports. This new process ensures continuity in reporting, even in the event of staff turnover, and strengthens the City’s commitment to compliance with federal funding requirements. In addition, The City’s Procurement officer now maintains responsibility for grants from award to reversion date. A tracking file is maintained for all active grants at the point it is awarded, expended, and reimbursement received to ensure this process is properly managed. Additionally, the Finance Director oversees this responsibility so there are now multiple controls to ensure timely completion. Responsible Parties: The Director of Finance. Timeline: June 30, 2025
FINDING 2023-011 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by the Director of Curriculum without oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. All six of the submitted reports were selected for testing. One of the reports, ESSER II, Year 2, was not supported by the School Corporation's records. The School Corporation had expenditures of $583,415 from the ESSER II grant which were not included in this report. The lack of internal controls was systemic throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER II, Year 2 report. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 35 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by the School Corporation's management. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, a report submitted to the IDOE was not supported by the School Corporation's underlying accounting records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are supported by the ledgers or reports used to complete the report. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 36
FINDING 2023-011 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted two ESSER I reports, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. The annual data reports were compiled, prepared, and submitted by the Director of Curriculum without oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. All six of the submitted reports were selected for testing. One of the reports, ESSER II, Year 2, was not supported by the School Corporation's records. The School Corporation had expenditures of $583,415 from the ESSER II grant which were not included in this report. The lack of internal controls was systemic throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to the ESSER II, Year 2 report. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 35 SHENANDOAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by the School Corporation's management. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, a report submitted to the IDOE was not supported by the School Corporation's underlying accounting records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are supported by the ledgers or reports used to complete the report. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 36