FAC Explorer

Finding 1238874 (2025-009)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-09-30
Audit: 413792
Organization: South Bend Community School Corporation (IN)
Auditor: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The School Corporation lacks an effective internal control system, leading to noncompliance with documentation requirements for high school graduation rates.
  • Impacted Requirements: Failure to meet IDOE standards for student mobility documentation resulted in inaccurate graduation rate data, affecting accountability and federal funding eligibility.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a robust internal control system, establish clear documentation procedures, assign oversight responsibilities, and conduct periodic reviews to ensure compliance.

Finding Text

FINDING 2025-009 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A210014, S010A220014, S010A230014, S010A240014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate 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 2023-007. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 39 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. The School Corporation reports graduation rate data for all public high schools within the School Corporation using the four-year adjusted cohort rate. The School Corporation has a total of five high schools plus the juvenile detention center for which graduation rate data is submitted. To remove a student from the cohort, the School Corporation must confirm the reason for removal in writing. Additionally, required documentation for each removal type must be retained by the School Corporation. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has outlined the acceptable documentation required when a student exists in a cohort. Once a student's required documentation is received, the School Corporation may then remove the student from the graduation cohort using the associated mobility code. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 8 students had documentation maintained by the School Corporation; however, the documentation did not meet the IDOE's student mobility documentation requirements. Additionally, 10 students had no documentation to support the mobility code assigned. The lack of internal 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). . . ." 20 USC 7801(23)(B) states: "To remove a student from a cohort, a school or local educational agency shall require documentation, or obtain documentation from the State educational agency, to confirm that the student has transferred out, emigrated to another country, or transferred to a prison or juvenile facility, or is deceased." Cause The School Corporation did not establish or implement an effective internal control system, including adequate segregation of duties, to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. Specifically, the School Corporation failed to maintain appropriate documentation supporting student cohort removals in accordance with the IDOE requirements. This deficiency resulted from a lack of oversight, insufficient staff training on documentation standards, and the absence of formal review procedures to verify the accuracy and completeness of graduation rate data submitted. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 40 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Due to the lack of effective internal controls and noncompliance with the IDOE documentation requirements, the School Corporation submitted inaccurate graduation rate data for the audit period. Specifically, the improper or missing documentation for student cohort removals undermines the reliability of reported graduation rates. This misrepresentation of school performance can affect accountability determinations and jeopardize continued eligibility for federal funding tied to compliance with grant and reporting requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation The School Corporation should design and implement an internal control system to ensure compliance with the IDOE documentation requirements for graduation rate reporting. This includes establishing clear procedures for verifying and retaining acceptable student mobility documentation, assigning oversight responsibilities to ensure proper review of documentation and procedures, and providing staff with necessary support and resources over documentation standards. Periodic reviews and monitoring should be instituted to ensure compliance and improve documentation retention. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.

Corrective Action Plan

FINDING 2025-009 Finding Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions – Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Dr. Bo Yan, Ahnaf Tahmid & Marlaina Johns Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 574-393-6000, byan@sbcsc.k12.in.us, atahmid@sbcsc.k12.in.us, mjohns2@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Standardized student mobility protocols to comply with IDOE and ESSA rules: • Transfers: Require written proof/records requests before removing students from 4-year graduation cohorts. • High School Exits: Mandatory principal-led exit interviews for 16–17-year-olds with specific legal qualifying criteria (illness, financial hardship, court order); unapproved dropouts are reported to the BMV. • Unverified Withdrawals: Enforced a 14-day protocol involving multi-channel outreach, welfare checks, and eventual NCMEC/Law Enforcement reporting if unlocated. Anticipated Completion Date: January 1, 2027

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Subrecipient Monitoring Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1238847 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238848 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238849 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238850 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238851 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238852 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238853 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238854 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238855 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238856 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238857 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238858 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238859 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238860 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238861 2025-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238862 2025-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238863 2025-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238864 2025-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238865 2025-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238866 2025-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238867 2025-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238868 2025-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238869 2025-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238870 2025-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238871 2025-008
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238872 2025-008
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238873 2025-009
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238875 2025-010
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238876 2025-010
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238877 2025-011
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238878 2025-011
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238879 2025-012
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238880 2025-012
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238881 2025-013
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238882 2025-013
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238883 2025-014
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238884 2025-014
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238885 2025-015
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238886 2025-015
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238887 2025-016
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238888 2025-016
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238889 2025-017
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238890 2025-017
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238891 2025-018
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238892 2025-018
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238893 2025-019
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238894 2025-019
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238895 2025-019
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238896 2025-019
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238897 2025-019
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238898 2025-019
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238899 2025-019
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238900 2025-019
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238901 2025-020
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238902 2025-020
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238903 2025-020
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238904 2025-020
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238905 2025-020
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238906 2025-020
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238907 2025-020
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238908 2025-020
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238909 2025-021
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238910 2025-021
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238911 2025-021
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238912 2025-021
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238913 2025-021
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238914 2025-022
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238915 2025-022
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238916 2025-022
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238917 2025-023
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1238918 2025-023
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.010 TITLE I GRANTS TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES 2024 $11.75M
10.555 NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM 2024 $9.52M
84.010 TITLE I GRANTS TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES 2025 $8.27M
10.555 NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM 2025 $8.02M
84.027 SPECIAL EDUCATION GRANTS TO STATES 2025 $4.53M
84.374 TEACHER AND SCHOOL LEADER INCENTIVE GRANTS (FORMERLY THE TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND) 2024 $3.40M
10.553 SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM 2024 $3.00M
10.553 SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM 2025 $2.41M
84.334 GAINING EARLY AWARENESS AND READINESS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS 2024 $1.83M
84.184 SCHOOL SAFELY NATIONAL ACTIVITIES 2024 $1.69M
84.334 GAINING EARLY AWARENESS AND READINESS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS 2025 $1.63M
84.367 SUPPORTING EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION STATE GRANTS (FORMERLY IMPROVING TEACHER QUALITY STATE GRANTS) 2024 $1.11M
84.336 TEACHER QUALITY PARTNERSHIP GRANTS 2024 $1.05M
84.336 TEACHER QUALITY PARTNERSHIP GRANTS 2025 $1.01M
10.558 CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM 2024 $957,987
84.011 MIGRANT EDUCATION STATE GRANT PROGRAM 2024 $929,569
84.215 INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO LITERACY; PROMISE NEIGHBORHOODS; FULL-SERVICE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS; AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION COMMUNITY PROJECTS 2024 $910,537
97.036 DISASTER GRANTS - PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTERS) 2024 $881,458
84.184 SCHOOL SAFELY NATIONAL ACTIVITIES 2025 $855,321
84.051 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION -- NATIONAL PROGRAMS 2025 $839,868
10.558 CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM 2025 $707,849
84.424 STUDENT SUPPORT AND ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM 2024 $698,029
32.004 UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND - SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES 2024 $689,885
84.011 MIGRANT EDUCATION STATE GRANT PROGRAM 2025 $639,019
84.215 INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO LITERACY; PROMISE NEIGHBORHOODS; FULL-SERVICE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS; AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION COMMUNITY PROJECTS 2025 $610,051
93.778 GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAID 2024 $518,707
84.424 STUDENT SUPPORT AND ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM 2025 $456,802
84.367 SUPPORTING EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION STATE GRANTS (FORMERLY IMPROVING TEACHER QUALITY STATE GRANTS) 2025 $408,733
93.778 GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAID 2025 $402,182
84.048 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION -- BASIC GRANTS TO STATES 2024 $346,769
84.027 SPECIAL EDUCATION GRANTS TO STATES 2024 $340,862
84.365 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION STATE GRANTS 2024 $328,319
84.048 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION -- BASIC GRANTS TO STATES 2025 $308,148
10.559 SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN 2025 $270,301
32.004 UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND - SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES 2025 $262,809
10.559 SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN 2024 $217,903
84.002 ADULT EDUCATION - BASIC GRANTS TO STATES 2024 $209,421
84.365 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION STATE GRANTS 2025 $206,296
84.002 ADULT EDUCATION - BASIC GRANTS TO STATES 2025 $146,692
84.374 TEACHER AND SCHOOL LEADER INCENTIVE GRANTS (FORMERLY THE TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND) 2025 $131,008
93.566 REFUGEE AND ENTRANT ASSISTANCE STATE/REPLACEMENT DESIGNEE ADMINISTERED PROGRAMS 2024 $120,657
84.173 SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOL GRANTS 2025 $114,612
84.425 EDUCATION STABILIZATION FUND 2025 $78,748
93.243 SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROJECTS OF REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE 2024 $57,647
84.196 EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH 2025 $35,554
84.051 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION -- NATIONAL PROGRAMS 2024 $29,386
84.425 EDUCATION STABILIZATION FUND 2024 $27,119
93.566 REFUGEE AND ENTRANT ASSISTANCE STATE/REPLACEMENT DESIGNEE ADMINISTERED PROGRAMS 2025 $26,191
10.582 FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM 2024 $13,468
84.173 SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOL GRANTS 2024 $7,749