Finding 957385 (2023-002)

Finding #2023-002 – Significant Deficiency and Other Noncompliance. Applicable federal program: U. S. Department of Education, Passed through Texas Education Agency, Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies, Assistance Listing # 84.010, Contract Number: S010A220043 and S010A210043. Criteria: In accordance with the Texas Administrative Code Title 19, Part 2, Chapter 100, Subchapter AA, Division 6, Rule 100.1212, special education teachers must be certified in the fields that they are assigned to teach as required by state and/or federal law. Great Hearts America – Texas should maintain the certification documentation of teachers charged to the Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies programs to evidence compliance with this standard. Condition and context: During our testing of documentation of teacher certificates for the 17 people charged to the program, a copy of teacher certificates for 4 teachers was not available for review. Cause: Great Hearts America – Texas did not follow its policies and procedures for retention of documentary evidence of teacher certification. Effect: Failure to adequately establish and maintain effective internal controls over the retention of teacher certificates could result in noncompliance. Recommendation: Reemphasize the need to adhere with policies and procedures to ensure retention of documentary evidence of teacher certifications. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan.