Finding Text
2022-004 COMPLIANCE REGARDING CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM Criteria Monthly claim forms for reimbursement through the National School Lunch Program should be timely filed with the Nebraska Department of Education. Claim forms should include meal counts eligible for reimbursement that have been served during the month. Procedures should be in place to ensure claims are filed timely and include eligible meal counts. Condition The District filed duplicate claims through the National School Lunch Program with the Nebraska Department of Education in August and September 2021. Cause Management relied on the lunch fund bookkeeper for lunch program reimbursement compliance and was not aware of the duplicate claim until it was brought to their attention during the audit. Effect Duplicate claims were submitted for August and September 2021 totaling $19,529. Reimbursement was received for both claims. We tested all claims for reimbursement filed during the fiscal year and noted no other exceptions. Recommendations The District should implement procedures to ensure all claim forms for reimbursement are submitted for meals eligible for reimbursement during the month. We recommend that the District develop oversight and review procedures and insure claims are accurate. District's Response Management has contacted the Nebraska Department of Education subsequent to yearend to determine the status of the duplicate claim for reimbursement. The duplicate payment of $19,529 will be returned to the Nebraska Department of Education. We will review processes and implement procedures as necessary to address the issue in the future.