Finding 9031 (2022-006)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2024-01-18
Audit: 12351
Organization: Nazlini Community School, Inc. (NM)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The School failed to conduct required background investigations for employees working with Indian children, violating the Indian Child Protection Act.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with the minimum standards for character and suitability for employment as outlined in 25 CFR part 63.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure adherence to policies and procedures for background checks; management has engaged a consultant and a new Principal to improve compliance by June 30, 2023.

Finding Text

2022-06 Special Tests and Provisions Compliance Requirement (Significant Deficiency) Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act, the School is required to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by the School in a position that involves regular contact with, or control over, Indian children. The Act further states that the School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character, no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63). Condition: During our test work over special tests and provisions, we noted that employee background investigations were not conducted. Cause: Turnover in School personnel led to a lapse in the required performance and documentation of background investigations. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the special tests and provisions requirements. Auditor's Recommendations: We recommend that the School ensure that employees follow the policies and procedures that are in place along with the compliance requirements for the Indian School Equalization Program and ensure that the compliance requirement is being followed. Management Response: Management agrees with the auditor's finding. Internal Controls did not exist during the audit period due to lack of staff in the business office and lack of understanding in the administration staff. The school has since hired a consulting firm to assist with following the existing policies and procedures. The school also has hired an experienced Principal to oversee the operations of the business office. Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2023. Responsible Party: Delores Noble, Principal. Amber Wauneka, Consultant with Homeland Business Services.

Corrective Action Plan

Management Response: Management agrees with the auditors' finding. Internal controls did not exist during the audit period due to lack of staff in the business office and lack of understanding in the administration staff. The school has since hired a consulting firm to assist with following the existing policies and procedures. The school also has hired an experienced principal to oversee the operations of the business office. Anticipated completion date: June 30, 2023. Responsible party: Delores Noble, principal. Amber Wauneka, Consultant with Homeland Business Services.

Categories

Special Tests & Provisions Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 9023 2022-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 9024 2022-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 9025 2022-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 9026 2022-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 9027 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 9028 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 9029 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 9030 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 9032 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585465 2022-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 585466 2022-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 585467 2022-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 585468 2022-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 585469 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585470 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585471 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585472 2022-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585473 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency
  • 585474 2022-006
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
15.046 Administrative Cost Grants for Indian Schools $430,798
15.047 Indian Education Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance $376,437
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $315,106
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $272,769
15.043 Indian Child and Family Education $199,041
15.044 Indian Schools_student Transportation $130,387
15.042 Indian School Equalization Program $108,811
10.553 School Breakfast Program $105,391
15.045 Special Education Grant $98,624
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $70,792
84.377 School Improvement Grants $54,661
84.336 Teacher Quality Partnership Grants $40,130
84.060 Indian Education_grants to Local Educational Agencies $2,000
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $1,453