Finding Text
Finding: The District improperly awarded a retention bonus to an ineligible employee. Criteria: When the U.S. Department of Education (ED) awarded ESSER I, II and III funds to states it noted the funds ?generally will not be used for bonuses, merit pay, or similar expenditures, unless related to disruptions or closures resulting from COVID-19.? This does not mean all bonuses, merit pay, or similar expenditures are unallowable, only those unrelated to COVID-related disruptions or closures. For example, a local educational agency (LEA) might use local ESSER funds to provide employees with additional pay to: ? Address recruitment or retention challenges in light of the pandemic, ? Provide additional compensation to teachers and other staff that work inperson, ? Provide additional compensation to teachers and other staff that have assumed new duties because of COVID, ? Incentivize effective teachers to move to schools with vulnerable students ? that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, or ? Provide additional pay to substitute teachers where there is a shortage. Districts will also need to be able to document that use of ESSER I/II/III funds for this purpose is necessary and the amount provided is reasonable (2 CFR ? 200.404). The District policy for awarding retention bonuses required the employee to be employed by the District as of February 14, 2022. Condition: The District used Education Stabilization Fund ESSER II to fund retention bonuses. The District awarded a retention bonus to an employee hired after the February 14, 2022 eligibility date. Context: The District awarded $1,300 to an employee hired after the eligibility date. Effect: Education Stabilization Funds could be expended for ineligible purposes. Questioned Costs: $1,300. Identification as a repeat finding: This is not a repeat finding. Cause: The District did not review the bonus listing and hire dates to ensure only eligible employees received the retention bonus. Recommendation: We recommend the District implement policies and procedures to ensure that retention bonuses are only paid to eligible employees.