Finding 503982 (2024-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
B
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2024-10-29

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The District failed to obtain Payroll Certification Forms on time for employees funded by federal grants, violating compliance requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: This affects the compliance with Uniform Guidance Section 200.430, which mandates accurate records for salaries and wages.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Ensure timely collection of Payroll Certification Forms and improve monitoring processes to align with established procedures.

Finding Text

U.S. Department of Education – Passed-through the NYS Education Department Special Education – Grants to States (IDEA, Part B); CFDA No. 84.027; Project #0032-24-0432; Grant Period - Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024 Special Education – Preschool Grants (IDEA, Preschool); CFDA No. 84.173; Project #0033-24-0432; Grant Period - Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024 Significant Deficiency Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles - Payroll Criteria: According to Uniform Guidance Section 200.430 Compensation – Personal Services, charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the District and support the distribution of salaries and wages among specific activities or cost objectives. Condition: Although the District ultimately obtained Payroll Certifications Forms for the fiscal year, they did not comply with their procedures regarding the timeliness of obtaining signed Payroll Certifications Forms from employees whose salaries were funded through federal funds. Cause: The District did not take timely action to obtain Payroll Certification Forms for employees whose salaries were funded through federal funds due to employees not responding to the requests from the business office as well as monitoring of outstanding forms not being done timely. Effect: The salaries for individuals who worked on the grants were not properly supported in a timely manner to be in compliance with the District’s procedures and the Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: We recommend the District comply with their procedures to be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. District’s Response: The District’s response is included in their corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The forms were distributed timely, most were returned timely, and as noted ultimately all were returned. Every effort is made to collect all required forms timely, and the district will continue to do so. A filing system is in place to readily identify those that require follow up and follow up on outstanding forms will continue on a regular basis until all forms are returned. Implementation Date- October 22, 2024. Beginning with the forms to be distributed and collected during the 2024-2025 school year, follow-up with begin on a timelier basis and continue until all required forms are returned. Person responsible for implementation- Anthony Cedrone, Assistant Superintendent for Business

Categories

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Subrecipient Monitoring Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 503983 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1080424 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1080425 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.425 Covid-19 - American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (arp Esser) Fund $345,600
10.555 National School Lunch Program (non-Cash Food Distribution) $184,109
10.555 National School Lunch Program (cash Assistance) $76,862
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies (title I, Part A of the Esea) $59,478
84.027 Covid-19 - Special Education - Grants to States (idea, Part B) $47,165
84.173 Special Education - Preschool Grants (idea Preschool) $39,901
10.579 National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grants $20,447
10.553 School Breakfast Program (cash Assistance) $18,611
84.027 Special Education - Grants to States (idea, Part B) $2,632
84.173 Covid-19 - Special Education - Preschool Grants (idea Preschool) $500
84.367 Supporting Effective Instruction State Grant $-28,100