Finding 38399 (2022-006)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
F
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-01-08
Audit: 36432
Organization: Rockford Area Public Schools (MN)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The District did not get prior approval for equipment purchases over $5,000 as required.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with Minnesota Department of Education rules for using Education Stabilization Fund dollars.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The District should improve internal controls and ensure proper approval processes for federal expenditures.

Finding Text

Finding 2022-006 Internal Control Over Approval of Equipment Purchases Federal Program: Education Stabilization Fund (ALN 84.425) Condition: Independent School District No. 883 (the District) failed to obtain prior approval for the purchase of equipment greater than $5,000. Criteria: Per program requirements, the District was required to obtain prior approval from the Minnesota Department of Education for any equipment (greater than $5,000) purchased via program dollars. Cause: Because the program is relatively new and the District experienced staffing turnover during the year, the District was not fully aware of the program?s requirements. Effect: The failure to obtain noted approval cause the District to not be in compliance with the program?s requirements. Context: This is a control requirement required by the Minnesota Department of Education to ensure that expenditures submitted under the program are allowable. Questioned Costs: None identified. Recommendation: We recommend the District assess internal controls related to the District?s Federal dollars and implement requests for approvals as necessary. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the recommendation. See corresponding Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding 2022-006 Internal Control Over Approval of Equipment Purchases 1. Explanation of Disagreement with Audit Finding There is no disagreement with the audit finding. 2. Actions Planned in Response to Finding The District will assess internal controls over its Federal programs and implement controls to ensure future compliance with the requirements. 3. Official Responsible Mrs. Rhonda Dean, Superintendent, is the official responsible for ensuring corrective action. 4. Planned Completion Date June 30, 2023 5. Plan to Monitor Completion The Board of Education will be monitoring this Corrective Action Plan.

Categories

Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Equipment & Real Property Management Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 38400 2022-007
    Significant Deficiency
  • 614841 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 614842 2022-007
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
10.555 Covid-19 - National School Lunch Program $849,267
84.165 Magnet Schools Assistance $602,459
21.027 Covid-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $227,976
32.009 Covid-19 - Emergency Connectivity Fund Program $202,000
84.425 Covid-19 - Education Stabilization Fund $167,137
10.553 Covid-19 - School Breakfast Program $164,390
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $106,311
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $86,022
93.323 Covid-19 - Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (elc) $62,015
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants $24,132
84.365 English Language Acquisition State Grants $16,204
84.173 Special Education_preschool Grants $11,720
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $4,204
84.048 Career and Technical Education -- Basic Grants to States $2,581