Finding 1172956 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
AB
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-02-10
Audit: 386363
Organization: Essex North Supervisory Union (VT)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Union lacks consistent internal controls over program expenditures, leading to potential compliance risks.
  • Impacted Requirements: This finding relates to 2 CFR 200.303, which mandates proper internal controls for federal program compliance.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The Union should implement robust internal control processes to prevent unallowable expenses and ensure compliance with federal guidelines.

Finding Text

Section III - Federal Awards Findings and Questioned Costs Material Weakness 2025-001 - Activities Allowed and Allowable Costs Federal Program Information: Department of Education - ALN: - 84.425D/84.425U - Education Stabilization Fund Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act/ARP ESSER ALN: - 84.027A/84.173A Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Criteria: The following CFR applies to this finding: 2 CFR 200.303 Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the Union does not have consistently applied internal controls over program expenditures. Cause: The Union does not have the necessary internal controls over compliance. Effect: Insufficient controls could result in unallowable expenses being charged to the program and subsequently improperly reimbursed by federal funds. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: There were 50 cash disbursements and 13 payroll charges tested. It was found that 19 had purchase orders dated after the invoice. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Union implements internal control processes and procedures to ensure that they are following the criteria above. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Client agrees with finding, and the unabridged version of their response can be found in the Corrective Action Plan. Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the Essex North Supervisory Union.

Corrective Action Plan

November 21, 2025 CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN (Concerning Finding 2025-001) Contact person responsible for corrective action: Jennifer Lawcewicz, Superintendent Corrective Action: The Essex North Supervisory Union will take the following actions to address finding 2025-001- Activities Allowed and Allowable Costs: 1. Essex North Supervisory Union has created a purchasing and procurement procedure manual with detailed procedures. 2. The business manager and superintendent have shared this document with all employees that are involved in purchasing. 3. The business manager and the superintendent will have regular meetings with the principal and grants manager to ensure that all procedures are being followed. 4. All invoices will continue to be reviewed by the business manager or the superintendent. 5. Purchase Orders will be issued prior to invoice when applicable. Anticipate completion date: Currently in place and happening

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Material Weakness

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1172951 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172952 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172953 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172954 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1172955 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.010 TITLE I GRANTS TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES $361,662
84.027 SPECIAL EDUCATION_GRANTS TO STATES $245,559
84.424 STUDENT SUPPORT AND ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM $80,282
84.425 EDUCATION STABILIZATION FUND $77,388
10.555 NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM $60,715
84.367 IMPROVING TEACHER QUALITY STATE GRANTS $43,955
10.553 SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM $31,945
10.582 FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM $12,278
10.559 SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN $7,445
84.173 SPECIAL EDUCATION_PRESCHOOL GRANTS $4,599
21.027 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $2,429