Finding Text
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425U, 84.425D Federal Award Numbers: S425U210013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 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: The School Corporation did not have a review control in place to ensure the annual data report was reviewed by someone other than the preparer. In addition, original documents and related support were not maintained by the School Corporation. Cause: There were not sufficient internal controls in place to ensure the Annual Data Report agreed to the underlying fund ledger detail. Effect: The Annual Data Reports could be submitted with incorrect information. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation did not have a formal review process in place to review the Annual Data Reports that were required to be submitted during the audit period. Original copies of the reports and submission receipts were not maintained and therefore, we were unable to verify the reports were submitted by the required due dates. The Annual Data Report for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 was overstated by $36,297. Management could not provide support for Cross Act total employees reported at 147. Also, management here was a variance of 16 positions for Cross Act positions paid by ESSER. The amount reported was 135 while management’s support detail was 151 positions. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Yes, Finding 2023-005. Recommendation: We recommend management review internal controls around the preparation, review, and submission of the Annual Data Reports to verify accuracy and that support detail is maintained. 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 and that the School Corporation maintain records to validate the reports were submitted timely. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.