Finding 41620 (2022-002)

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Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-03-30

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Charter School submitted reimbursement claims late, missing the 60-day deadline for July and August 2021, totaling $82,273.
  • Impacted Requirements: Claims must be submitted within 60 days; discrepancies between claimed and actual meals led to a $14,976 underclaim.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement policies for timely report submissions and provide training to staff to ensure compliance with deadlines.

Finding Text

Finding 2022-002 Food Service Claims Submission Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing No. #10.553 National School Breakfast Program Assistance Listing No. #10.555 National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing No. #10.555 Food Donation Program Assistance Listing No. #10.582 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Criteria Under Title 7 CFR Part 210.8 Claims for reimbursement, "A final Claim for Reimbursement shall be postmarked or submitted to the State agency not later than 60 days following the last day of the full month covered by the claim. State agencies may establish shorter deadlines at their discretion. Claims not postmarked and/or submitted within 60 days shall not be paid with Program funds unless otherwise authorized by United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)." Condition During the audit we noted that the Charter School's reimbursement claims to New Jersey State Department of Agriculture for the months of July 2021 and August 2021 amounting to $82,273 were submitted past the deadline of 60 days after the end of the reporting month. . In addition, differences between meals claimed and actual meals served for the months of September 2021, October 2021, November 2021, December 2021, January 2022, February 2022, March 2022, April 2022 and May 2022 which resulted to net underclaim of $14,976. Context Reimbursement claims to New Jersey State Department of Agriculture were denied and differences noted between actual meals served and number of meals claimed. Cause Staff turnovers, including School Business Administrators during fiscal year 2022 was the main reason for the issues noted. Effect Failure to submit the claims within the prescribed period and timely review resulted in nonpayment of claims. Questioned cost None. Recommendation We recommend that the Charter School implement its policies and procedures to ensure that the required reports are filed timely. We recommend personnel back-up and training to ensure that data requirements and timelines are adhered to.

Categories

School Nutrition Programs Cash Management Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.425 Covid-19 - Crrsa Esser II $1.36M
10.555 Covid-19 - National School Lunch Program - Sso $1.19M
84.010 Title I Part A Grants to Local Educational Agencies $1.10M
10.553 Covid-19 - National School Breakfast Program - Sso $504,463
84.027 Individuals with Disabilities (idea) - States Grant (basic) $333,702
84.010 Title I School Improvement Grant Part G $323,355
84.425 Covid-19 - Cares Act Education Stabilization Fund $315,570
10.555 Covid-19 - School Programs Emergency Operational Costs Reimbursement Program $123,844
84.425 Covid19 - Crrsa Esser II - Learning Acceleration $89,129
84.367 Title II Part A Supporting Effective Instruction Grant $85,806
84.027 Covid-19 - Arp Idea Basic $82,329
84.048 Career and Technical Education - Basic Grants (perkins) $77,112
10.555 Food Commodities $53,633
10.582 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables $45,134
93.778 Medical Assistance Program (semi) $21,412
84.173 Individuals with Disabilities, Preschool - Preschool Grant $12,079
84.173 Covid-19 Arp Idea Preschool $6,973
84.365 Title III English Language Acquisition Grant $5,569
10.649 Covid-19 - Pandemic Ebt Administrative Costs $3,135