Finding 1173317 (2025-001)

2025-001 Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Agency: Texas Education Agency Assistance Listing Number: 84.424F Program Name: 2024-2025 Stronger Connections Grant Federal Award Number: S424F220045-22A Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions: Participation of Private School Children Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and an Instance of Immaterial Noncompliance Criteria: The LEA receiving ESEA funds should conduct timely consultation with private school officials to determine the kind of educational services offered to eligible private school children were provided and the required amount was used for private school children. Condition: The District failed to conduct timely and meaningful consultations with private school officials regarding the implementation of the Stronger Connections Grant. Cause: A lack of training and understanding of the compliance requirements for the grant resulted in the failure to consult with local private schools. The District consults with area PNPs for its various ESEA grants but was not aware this particular grant also required consultation. Effect: Failure to document consultation results in noncompliance and potentially leads to inequitable services for private school children. Questioned Costs: None reported Context/Sampling: No sampling Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend the District establish and implement written procedures to ensure annual consultation meetings are scheduled and documented for all grants subject to private school participation under Title IV. Additionally, the District should allocate the appropriate amount to the private schools to be used before the end of the grant period. View of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.