Finding 967 (2023-001)

Material Weakness
Requirement
B
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2023-10-31
Audit: 1803
Organization: St. Charles Community Schools (MI)
Auditor: Yeo & Yeo PC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There were budget overages in the General Fund, specifically in the ESSER III MEGS budget.
  • Impacted Requirements: Expenditures exceeded appropriations, violating sections 18 and 19 of the Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Management should regularly monitor budgets and adhere to policies for budget preparation and implementation.

Finding Text

Program information: Education Stabilization Fund, U.S. Department of Education, passed through Michigan Department of Education, AL #84.425U, Passthrough grantor number 213713. Criteria: Sections 18 and 19 (MCL 141.438 and 141.439) of the Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act state that an administrative officer of the local unit shall not incur expenditures against an appropriation account in excess of the amount appropriated by the legislative body. Additionally, the chief administrative officer, an administrative officer, or an employee of the local unit shall not apply or divert money for purposes inconsistent with those specified in the appropriations. Condition: Budget overages were noted in the General Fund. A material overage was noted in the General Fund for both the ESSER III MEGS budget and final budget approved by the board. Questioned costs: None. Cause and effect: Management failed to analyze actual general fund expenses when amending the final budget and MEGS budget. Recommendation: We recommend that management monitor the budgets throughout the year for all funds and follow the established policies regarding budget preparation and implementation. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective action plan: See attached corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan Reference number assigned: 2023-001 Material Weakness and Material Noncompliance - Budget Variances Condition: A material budget overage was noted in the General Fund for basic programs. A material overage was noted in the Education Stabilization Fund for instructional staff salaries and benefits. There also was a material budget overage in the Education Stabilization Fund in capital outlay when compared to the MEGS budget. Action Plan: St. Charles Community School's Finance Director and Superintendent will monitor the budget throughout the school year for all funds, and will follow the established policies regarding budget preparation and implementation. St. Charles Community School's Finance Director and Superintendent will stay current with changes in available funding, and will analyze expenses when amending the final budget and MEGS budget to ensure the district is in compliance. Anticipated completion date: June 30, 2024 Material Weakness and Material Noncompliance - Budget Variances/Allowable Costs Condition: Budget overages were noted in the General Fund. A material overage was noted in the general Fund for both the ESSER Ill MEGS budget and final budget approved by the board. Action Plan: St. Charles Community School's Finance Director and Superintendent will monitor the budget throughout the school year for all funds, and will follow the established policies regarding budget preparation and implementation. Budget amendments will be conducted throughout the school year to avoid overages. Anticipated completion date: June 30, 2024

Categories

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Other Findings in this Audit

  • 577409 2023-001
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $686,361
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $247,326
10.555 National School Lunch Program $233,878
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $176,432
10.553 School Breakfast Program $126,911
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants $28,742
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $11,835
93.778 Medical Assistance Program $1,091
10.649 Pandemic Ebt Administrative Costs $628