Finding Text
2 CFR § 3474.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Education for 2 CFR § 200.328 which provides the Federal awarding agency must solicit only the standard, OMB-approved governmentwide data elements for collection of financial information. This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting.
The Ohio Department of Education Grants Manual requires, at the end of the grant period, that entities submit a final expenditure report (FER). A FER must be submitted to show how grant funds were expended during the grant period.
The amounts submitted by the School District in the Final Expenditure Report for the Education Stabilization Fund Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Grant (ESSER II) (grant year 2022) understated when compared to the underlying system data. This was due to the Treasurer not including expenditures in the amount of $260,404 which were expended during Fiscal Year 2021.
In addition, the amounts by object code submitted by the School District in the Final Expenditure Report for the Education Stabilization Fund American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Grant (grant year 2022) varied from the underlying system data due to the Treasurer incorrectly posting Purchased Services of $11,733 as Supplies and not including Capital Outlay expenditures in the amount of $158,486. Total expenditures on the Final Expenditure Report were understated by $158,486 when compared to the underlying School District records.
These error postings were the result of a lack of proper internal controls and due care when preparing the reports. The Treasurer should properly compile and review the annual Final Expenditure Reports, verifying the correct information is provided to the grantor.