Finding Text
2024-003 Eligibility. Finding Type. Immaterial Noncompliance; Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance. Federal program(s) U.S. Department of Agriculture - Child Nutrition Cluster (ALN 10.553, 10.555, and 10.559); Passed through the Michigan Department of Education; All project numbers. Criteria. Recipients of federal awards are responsible for compliance with various requirements in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and the award agreement. The Child Nutrition Cluster requires that students receiving free or reduced rate meals meet certain income guidelines, unless they are categorically eligible by being homeless, a migrant, or a runaway. Eligibility determinations should be supported by an application or other documentation. Condition. In our sample of 40 applications from all students receiving free or reduced cost meals during the year, we noted one instance in which the point of sale (POS) system used by the District classified a student to be free; however, application reviewed by the District indicated ineligible to receive free and reduce meal. The student received free-price meals during the 2024 school year. Cause. The District's internal controls did not identify the necessary elements to detect proper eligibility based on the application. Effect. As a result of this condition, the District granted free lunch to a student that did not meet the eligibility requirements. Questioned Costs. None. Recommendation. The District should perform a review of the POS system to match with the application to ensure only eligible students are provided with free and reduced meals. View of Responsible Officials. Management concurs with the finding. The District has already put in multiple checks and procedures for food service. The Point of Sale now has custom reports to help make sure students are in the Point-of-Sale system correctly. The eligibility listing will be verified multiple times throughout the year. The District has set up weekly meetings with the Food Service Director, Superintendent Administrative Assistant, and the Business Manager. Responsible Official. Scott Leach, Superintendent, and Crystal Lee, Food Service Director. Estimated Completion Date. June 30, 2025.