Finding 6001 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2023-12-20
Audit: 7889
Organization: Ascent Academies of Utah (UT)
Auditor: Eide Bailly LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Ascent Academies of Utah submitted an inaccurate annual performance report regarding ESSER II expenditures.
  • Impacted Requirements: The school failed to comply with reporting requirements under 84.425 Education Stabilization Funds.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure accurate reporting by reviewing records thoroughly; management has already contacted the State to correct the error.

Finding Text

U.S. Department of Education, Utah State Office of Education, Federal Financial Assistance Listing 84.425C, 84.425D and 84.425U, S425C210031, S425D210032, S425U210032 Reporting Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Compliance Criteria: Ascent Academies of Utah should have policies and procedures in place to ensure that the required annual performance report is prepared accurately before submission to the State. Condition: In connection with the audit procedures performed, it was noted that Ascent Academies of Utah reported incorrect amounts of ESSER II expenditures. Cause: Ascent Academies of Utah did not properly review their records to determine the correct amount of ESSER II expenditures were reported correctly on the annual performance report. Effect: Ascent Academies of Utah is not in compliance with 84.425 Education Stabilization Funds reporting requirements. Questioned Costs: None reported Context: In connection with the audit procedures performed, it was noted that the required annual performance report did not report program expenditures correctly. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: Ascent Academies of Utah should contact the State of Utah and report the correct ESSER II expenditures. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with this finding and notes that the State of Utah has been contacted and the error already corrected.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding Summary: Ascent Academies of Utah is required to submit an annual performance report to the State of Utah detailing GEER and ESSER expenditures by subgrant fund, expenditure category, object code, number of specific positions supported with GEER and ESSER funds, allocation of GEER and ESSER funds and criteria used and number of full-time equivalent positions for all GEER & ESSER funds received from the USBE during the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Ascent Academies of Utah reported ESSER II expenditures incorrectly. Responsible Individuals: Accountant and Lead Director Corrective Action Plan: Management has communicated with the State of Utah regarding what they believe to be deficiencies in the reporting mechanism that was provided by the State to report annual GEER and ESSER expenditures. These deficiencies include the absence of adequate means for management to prevent and detect typographical errors, and the absence of documentation for the submitted report. The reporting error has been corrected and management will use mitigating controls to prevent future errors. Anticipated Completion Date: The Corrective Action Plan has been implemented.

Categories

Reporting Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 6002 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 6003 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 582443 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 582444 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 582445 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $462,316
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $299,970
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants $73,610
10.555 National School Lunch Program $32,487
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $31,000
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $11,500