EIN: 351076622
UEI: W6K1EV9X3ZK9
Audited by: Indiana State Board of Accounts
Cognizant agency: 84 [Department of Education]
View federal awards & risk assessment →
Data as of September 2, 2026
Management decision deadline — for entities that funded this organization
The FAC accepted this audit on March 16, 2026. Under 2 CFR 200.521(d), a pass-through entity that provided federal funds to this organization for this audit period must issue a management decision on these findings by September 16, 2026 (12 days from today).
What is a management decision? →FINDING 2023-003 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Findings A similar finding related to internal controls was included in the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-002. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, issues related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirements. Activities Allowed or Unallowed Title I Payroll Distribution reports were reviewed and approved by the Title I Director or Title I Budget Supervisor to confirm that payroll charges were allowable under the grant. However, the review process was not formally documented and, as a result, could not be verified. Level of Effort The department heads responsible for federal grants, along with the Director of Internal Audits, initiated a review of the Payroll Distribution report to verify that employees were paid from the appropriate funds. However, the review was limited to certain funds and did not encompass all funds within the School Corporation. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not establish or implement a proper system of internal controls. Documented procedures were either missing or insufficient to ensure proper review of payroll expenses. Payroll distribution reviews were limited to certain funds and lacked formal documentation, leaving oversight incomplete and inconsistent. Effect The lack of documentation demonstrating appropriate reviews of payroll charges by the School Corporation was present throughout the audit period, which increased the risk that employees could be paid from incorrect funds and compliance with grant requirements could not be demonstrated. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation The School Corporation should develop and implement a formal internal control system specifically designed to ensure appropriate documentation and review of payroll charges. This system should include documented procedures for payroll approvals, proper segregation of duties, and routine oversight by qualified personnel. The School Corporation should ensure that staff responsible are knowledgeable about compliance standards, including the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2023-003 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Findings A similar finding related to internal controls was included in the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-002. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, issues related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirements. Activities Allowed or Unallowed Title I Payroll Distribution reports were reviewed and approved by the Title I Director or Title I Budget Supervisor to confirm that payroll charges were allowable under the grant. However, the review process was not formally documented and, as a result, could not be verified. Level of Effort The department heads responsible for federal grants, along with the Director of Internal Audits, initiated a review of the Payroll Distribution report to verify that employees were paid from the appropriate funds. However, the review was limited to certain funds and did not encompass all funds within the School Corporation. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not establish or implement a proper system of internal controls. Documented procedures were either missing or insufficient to ensure proper review of payroll expenses. Payroll distribution reviews were limited to certain funds and lacked formal documentation, leaving oversight incomplete and inconsistent. Effect The lack of documentation demonstrating appropriate reviews of payroll charges by the School Corporation was present throughout the audit period, which increased the risk that employees could be paid from incorrect funds and compliance with grant requirements could not be demonstrated. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation The School Corporation should develop and implement a formal internal control system specifically designed to ensure appropriate documentation and review of payroll charges. This system should include documented procedures for payroll approvals, proper segregation of duties, and routine oversight by qualified personnel. The School Corporation should ensure that staff responsible are knowledgeable about compliance standards, including the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003 Finding Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Ahnaf Tahmid & Marlaina Johns Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 574-393-6000, atahmid@sbcsc.k12.in.us, mjohns2@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: Activities allowed/Unallowed Title I Payroll Distribution Reports will be reviewed and approved by the Title I Director or Executive Director of Federal Grants to confirm that payroll charges were allowable under the grant. Level of Effort The Director of Federal Grants is responsible for ensuring that each grant fiscal officer reviews and signs the Payroll (Distribution) Certification Report. This report lists all individuals paid from the grant fund, the amount paid per paycheck, and the complete fund number. Fiscal officers are required to review the information and provide their signature to confirm its accuracy. The reports are then distributed to the fiscal officers for each grant. Each fiscal officer reviews the listed payments to confirm that the employees charged to the fund were appropriately paid from that grant and that the amounts are accurate. The fiscal officer signs the report to certify its accuracy or documents any discrepancies that require correction. After the report is signed, the Finance Department retains it for future audit purposes. Completion Date: October 5, 2023
2022-002
FINDING 2023-004 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Findings This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context Costs charged to grant funds must be adequately documented. To adequately document payroll expenses charged to the grant fund, contracts or other documentation supporting the employees' approved rates of pay are necessary. The School Corporation utilized a financial software system that has two different sides, an employee portal side and an administrator side. Employee contracts are approved by the employee, the Superintendent of Schools, and the President of the School Board within the system on the employee portal side. Once approved, the data in the employee portal side is fed into a process in the administrator side. The School Corporation could not provide contracts or approved payroll rates for 6 out of 24 employees tested. As such, we could not verify the employees were paid its correct rates for hours spent working on grant related activities. This resulted in known questioned costs of $149,870. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.430(i) states in part: "Standards for documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities (for IHE, this per the IHE's definition of IBS); . . . (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The School Corporation did not maintain or provide adequate documentation to support payroll expenses charged to the grant fund. While employee contracts are approved within the financial software system, the process lacked sufficient oversight and record retention practices to ensure that approved pay rates were accessible and verifiable. Effect Without access to approved contracts or documentation verifying payroll rates for 6 of the 24 employees tested, the School Corporation could not demonstrate that payroll costs charged to the grant were accurate and allowable. This lack of documentation resulted in known questioned costs totaling $149,870. Additionally, the absence of reliable records increases the risk of noncompliance with federal grant requirements and necessitates expanded audit procedures, which will likely lead to higher audit costs. Questioned Costs Questioned costs in the amount of $149,870 were identified as described in the Condition and Context. Recommendation The School Corporation should establish and enforce formal documentation procedures to verify payroll rates for all employees whose compensation is charged to federal grants. This includes maintaining approved contracts, salary schedules, and supporting records that clearly demonstrate the accuracy and allowability of payroll costs. A review and approval process by a second knowledgeable party should be implemented to ensure compliance prior to submission. Additionally, the School Corporation should provide necessary support and resources for staff involved in payroll and grant management to strengthen recordkeeping practices. These measures will reduce the risk of noncompliance, minimize questioned costs, and help control future audit expenses. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2023-004 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Findings This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context Costs charged to grant funds must be adequately documented. To adequately document payroll expenses charged to the grant fund, contracts or other documentation supporting the employees' approved rates of pay are necessary. The School Corporation utilized a financial software system that has two different sides, an employee portal side and an administrator side. Employee contracts are approved by the employee, the Superintendent of Schools, and the President of the School Board within the system on the employee portal side. Once approved, the data in the employee portal side is fed into a process in the administrator side. The School Corporation could not provide contracts or approved payroll rates for 6 out of 24 employees tested. As such, we could not verify the employees were paid its correct rates for hours spent working on grant related activities. This resulted in known questioned costs of $149,870. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.430(i) states in part: "Standards for documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities (for IHE, this per the IHE's definition of IBS); . . . (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The School Corporation did not maintain or provide adequate documentation to support payroll expenses charged to the grant fund. While employee contracts are approved within the financial software system, the process lacked sufficient oversight and record retention practices to ensure that approved pay rates were accessible and verifiable. Effect Without access to approved contracts or documentation verifying payroll rates for 6 of the 24 employees tested, the School Corporation could not demonstrate that payroll costs charged to the grant were accurate and allowable. This lack of documentation resulted in known questioned costs totaling $149,870. Additionally, the absence of reliable records increases the risk of noncompliance with federal grant requirements and necessitates expanded audit procedures, which will likely lead to higher audit costs. Questioned Costs Questioned costs in the amount of $149,870 were identified as described in the Condition and Context. Recommendation The School Corporation should establish and enforce formal documentation procedures to verify payroll rates for all employees whose compensation is charged to federal grants. This includes maintaining approved contracts, salary schedules, and supporting records that clearly demonstrate the accuracy and allowability of payroll costs. A review and approval process by a second knowledgeable party should be implemented to ensure compliance prior to submission. Additionally, the School Corporation should provide necessary support and resources for staff involved in payroll and grant management to strengthen recordkeeping practices. These measures will reduce the risk of noncompliance, minimize questioned costs, and help control future audit expenses. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004 Finding Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Ahnaf Tahmid & Marlaina Johns Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 574-393-6000, atahmid@sbcsc.k12.in.us, mjohns2@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: Human Resources worked with Regional Data Services to identify the cause of the issue and made corrections to prevent the data being lost on the administrative side moving forward. This involved updates to software stores and archives. Corrected Date 06/30/2025
2022-003
FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Match, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context Earmarking A portion of the School Corporation's Title I allocation is required to be reserved for parental involvement and homeless reservation, as specified in the Title I grant application. The School Corporation is responsible for monitoring these set-asides throughout the grant period to ensure compliance. While monitoring was completed on the reimbursement requests, the requests, though reviewed by a knowledgeable employee, were supported by summary level payroll data. This level of detail was insufficient to confirm that the appropriate employees were charged to the designated Title I funds. Additionally, the School Corporation did not spend the Homeless Student set-aside amount per the Title I application and did not carry over the funds to provide services to students experiencing homelessness in the subsequent school year, along with reserving funds from the next year's grant award. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 20 USC 6313(c)(3)(A) states: "A local educational agency shall reserve such funds as are necessary under this part, determined in accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C), to provide services comparable to those provided to children in schools funded under this part to serve - (i) homeless children and youths, including providing educationally related support services to children in shelters and other locations where children may live; (ii) children in local institutions for neglected children; and (iii) if appropriate, children in local institutions for delinquent children, and neglected or delinquent children in community day programs." Cause The School Corporation did not have adequate internal controls to ensure compliance with Title I set-aside requirements. Monitoring procedures relied on summary level payroll documentation, which did not provide sufficient detail to verify that employees charged to Title I were allowable and properly assigned. Additionally, the School Corporation lacked a formal process to track, monitor, and ensure timely use or carryover of the Homeless Student set-aside funds, resulting in noncompliance with the approved Title I application. Effect The lack of detailed payroll documentation and insufficient monitoring of Title I set-asides resulted in the School Corporation being unable to demonstrate that payroll expenditures charged to Title I were accurate, allowable, or aligned with the approved grant budget. The failure to spend or carry over the required Homeless Student set-aside funds limits services available to students' experiencing homelessness. These deficiencies increase the risk of questioned costs, required corrective actions, and potential restrictions on future grant funding, while also creating additional administrative burden during the audit due to the need for expanded testing and follow-up. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation The School Corporation should strengthen internal controls by requiring detailed, employee-level payroll documentation to support all Title I charges and ensure reviewers verify that expenditures align with the approved grant budget. In addition, the School Corporation should implement a formal process to track all Title I set-asides, including parental involvement and homeless reservations, throughout the grant period. Procedures should also be established to ensure the timely use or proper carryover of homeless student set-aside funds in accordance with federal regulations and the approved Title I application. Additionally, the School Corporation should provide necessary support and resources to staff responsible for ensuring grant compliance and helping to prevent similar issues in future grant cycles. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2023-005 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Match, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context Earmarking A portion of the School Corporation's Title I allocation is required to be reserved for parental involvement and homeless reservation, as specified in the Title I grant application. The School Corporation is responsible for monitoring these set-asides throughout the grant period to ensure compliance. While monitoring was completed on the reimbursement requests, the requests, though reviewed by a knowledgeable employee, were supported by summary level payroll data. This level of detail was insufficient to confirm that the appropriate employees were charged to the designated Title I funds. Additionally, the School Corporation did not spend the Homeless Student set-aside amount per the Title I application and did not carry over the funds to provide services to students experiencing homelessness in the subsequent school year, along with reserving funds from the next year's grant award. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 20 USC 6313(c)(3)(A) states: "A local educational agency shall reserve such funds as are necessary under this part, determined in accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C), to provide services comparable to those provided to children in schools funded under this part to serve - (i) homeless children and youths, including providing educationally related support services to children in shelters and other locations where children may live; (ii) children in local institutions for neglected children; and (iii) if appropriate, children in local institutions for delinquent children, and neglected or delinquent children in community day programs." Cause The School Corporation did not have adequate internal controls to ensure compliance with Title I set-aside requirements. Monitoring procedures relied on summary level payroll documentation, which did not provide sufficient detail to verify that employees charged to Title I were allowable and properly assigned. Additionally, the School Corporation lacked a formal process to track, monitor, and ensure timely use or carryover of the Homeless Student set-aside funds, resulting in noncompliance with the approved Title I application. Effect The lack of detailed payroll documentation and insufficient monitoring of Title I set-asides resulted in the School Corporation being unable to demonstrate that payroll expenditures charged to Title I were accurate, allowable, or aligned with the approved grant budget. The failure to spend or carry over the required Homeless Student set-aside funds limits services available to students' experiencing homelessness. These deficiencies increase the risk of questioned costs, required corrective actions, and potential restrictions on future grant funding, while also creating additional administrative burden during the audit due to the need for expanded testing and follow-up. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation The School Corporation should strengthen internal controls by requiring detailed, employee-level payroll documentation to support all Title I charges and ensure reviewers verify that expenditures align with the approved grant budget. In addition, the School Corporation should implement a formal process to track all Title I set-asides, including parental involvement and homeless reservations, throughout the grant period. Procedures should also be established to ensure the timely use or proper carryover of homeless student set-aside funds in accordance with federal regulations and the approved Title I application. Additionally, the School Corporation should provide necessary support and resources to staff responsible for ensuring grant compliance and helping to prevent similar issues in future grant cycles. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005 Finding Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Earmarking Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Ahnaf Tahmid & Marlaina Johns Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 574-393-6000, atahmid@sbcsc.k12.in.us, mjohns2@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: Earmarking All expenditures related to parental involvement are tracked using a designated expenditure code. The required homeless set-aside is monitored using department-level data. The same expenditure code is applied to both the mandatory parental involvement set-aside and any additional parental involvement funds. This allows the district to track the spend-down of the mandatory set-aside and determine how much must be carried over into the next grant year. Schools are expected to use the mandatory set-aside funds first, following a FIFO (first-in, first-out) approach, before accessing any parental involvement funds beyond the required amount. We are actively coordinating with the homeless liaison to ensure that fund balances remain current and transparent to all stakeholders. This collaboration supports more effective planning and helps ensure that the funds are spent down appropriately and on schedule. Correction Date 6/30/2025
FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-004. Condition and Context The School Corporation was required to submit reimbursement requests and final expenditure reports that included, among other data, both current and prior period expenditures. However, the required reports for federal awards did not capture all activity for the reporting period and were not supported by the School Corporation's records. Reimbursement Requests The School Corporation uses reimbursement requests to claim allowable expenses paid from Title I funds. These requests must be based on and supported by transactions recorded within the School Corporation's Title I accounts. Summary-level reports were generated from the School Corporation's financial system by the Director of Federal Grants for the reimbursement period and attached to the reimbursement request. While reimbursement requests were to be prepared by the Director of Federal Grants and reviewed by the Title I Director or Title I Budget Supervisor, no evidence of this review or oversight process was available. Of the four reimbursement requests selected for testing, three could not be verified against either the summary-level detail attached to the request or a detailed transaction listing. Because the amounts requested for reimbursement could not be traced to underlying records or to reports that accumulated or summarized the data, the accuracy and completeness of the reimbursement requests could not be verified. Final Expenditure Reports Final expenditure reports were expected to be prepared by the Director of Federal Grants using year-to-date expenditure data and reviewed by either the Director of Internal Audit or the Title I Budget Supervisor. However, no evidence was available to show that this review or oversight process took place. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause The School Corporation did not design or implement an effective internal control system to ensure the accuracy and compliance of reimbursement and final expenditure reporting processes. Specifically, the School Corporation did not have established procedures requiring the retention of detailed supporting documentation for reimbursement requests, and oversight responsibilities were not consistently carried out or evidenced over the reimbursement requests and final expenditure reports. Additionally, the employee responsible for preparing reimbursement requests during the audit period did not maintain the required documentation, and no secondary review process was in place to detect or correct these deficiencies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Because the School Corporation did not retain detailed documentation to support reimbursement requests or provide evidence of the required review of final expenditure reports, the audit team could not verify the accuracy, allowability, or completeness of expenditures charged to the grant. These gaps in documentation increased the audit time and administrative burden, as additional testing and follow-up were necessary to address missing records. As a result, the risk of misreporting, misallocation of federal funds, and potential violations of grant requirements were significantly heightened. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation The School Corporation should establish and implement a formal internal control system to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with federal grant requirements. This system should include documented review procedures, clear segregation of duties, and consistent oversight of reimbursement requests and expenditure reports. All financial submissions should be supported by verifiable documentation and reconciled with internal records prior to submission. Additionally, the School Corporation should provide necessary support and resources to staff responsible for ensuring grant compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2023-006 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-004. Condition and Context The School Corporation was required to submit reimbursement requests and final expenditure reports that included, among other data, both current and prior period expenditures. However, the required reports for federal awards did not capture all activity for the reporting period and were not supported by the School Corporation's records. Reimbursement Requests The School Corporation uses reimbursement requests to claim allowable expenses paid from Title I funds. These requests must be based on and supported by transactions recorded within the School Corporation's Title I accounts. Summary-level reports were generated from the School Corporation's financial system by the Director of Federal Grants for the reimbursement period and attached to the reimbursement request. While reimbursement requests were to be prepared by the Director of Federal Grants and reviewed by the Title I Director or Title I Budget Supervisor, no evidence of this review or oversight process was available. Of the four reimbursement requests selected for testing, three could not be verified against either the summary-level detail attached to the request or a detailed transaction listing. Because the amounts requested for reimbursement could not be traced to underlying records or to reports that accumulated or summarized the data, the accuracy and completeness of the reimbursement requests could not be verified. Final Expenditure Reports Final expenditure reports were expected to be prepared by the Director of Federal Grants using year-to-date expenditure data and reviewed by either the Director of Internal Audit or the Title I Budget Supervisor. However, no evidence was available to show that this review or oversight process took place. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause The School Corporation did not design or implement an effective internal control system to ensure the accuracy and compliance of reimbursement and final expenditure reporting processes. Specifically, the School Corporation did not have established procedures requiring the retention of detailed supporting documentation for reimbursement requests, and oversight responsibilities were not consistently carried out or evidenced over the reimbursement requests and final expenditure reports. Additionally, the employee responsible for preparing reimbursement requests during the audit period did not maintain the required documentation, and no secondary review process was in place to detect or correct these deficiencies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Because the School Corporation did not retain detailed documentation to support reimbursement requests or provide evidence of the required review of final expenditure reports, the audit team could not verify the accuracy, allowability, or completeness of expenditures charged to the grant. These gaps in documentation increased the audit time and administrative burden, as additional testing and follow-up were necessary to address missing records. As a result, the risk of misreporting, misallocation of federal funds, and potential violations of grant requirements were significantly heightened. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation The School Corporation should establish and implement a formal internal control system to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with federal grant requirements. This system should include documented review procedures, clear segregation of duties, and consistent oversight of reimbursement requests and expenditure reports. All financial submissions should be supported by verifiable documentation and reconciled with internal records prior to submission. Additionally, the School Corporation should provide necessary support and resources to staff responsible for ensuring grant compliance. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-006 Finding Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Reporting Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Ahnaf Tahmid & Marlaina Johns Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 574-393-6000, atahmid@sbcsc.k12.in.us, mjohns2@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the findings Description of Corrective Action Plan: Beginning in fall 2023, reimbursement requests have included all required supporting documentation, such as transaction detail and summary reports. Each request is also reviewed and signed by the supervisor to document approval. On a regular basis, the Director of Federal Grants will generate the detailed expenditure report and budget summary. The detailed report will be filtered to capture only the transactions occurring since the previous reimbursement request, making it easy to identify new expenditures. These amounts will be added to the cumulative reimbursement totals. The updated total will then be compared to the total disbursements shown on the summary report to ensure they align. Once the totals match, the reimbursement request will be reviewed by the Chief Financial Officer and subsequently submitted to the awarding agency. Correction Date 06/30/2025
2022-004
FINDING 2023-007 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card/High School Graduation Rate Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card/High School Graduation Rate Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Findings This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-005. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation reports graduation rate data for all public high schools within the School Corporation using the four-year adjusted cohort rate. The School Corporation has a total of five high schools plus the juvenile detention center for which graduation rate data is submitted. To remove a student from the cohort, the School Corporation must confirm the reason for removal in writing. Additionally, required documentation for each removal type must be retained by the School Corporation. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has outlined the acceptable documentation required when a student exists in a cohort. Once a student's required documentation is received, the School Corporation may then remove the student from the graduation cohort using the associated mobility code. Of the 27 students selected for testing, 10 students had documentation maintained by the School Corporation; however, it was not appropriate per the IDOE's student mobility documentation requirements. There were 9 students that had no documentation to support its mobility code. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 20 USC 7801(23)(B) states: "To remove a student from a cohort, a school or local educational agency shall require documentation, or obtain documentation from the State educational agency, to confirm that the student has transferred out, emigrated to another country, or transferred to a prison or juvenile facility, or is deceased." Cause The School Corporation did not establish or implement an effective internal control system, including adequate segregation of duties, to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card/High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. Specifically, the School Corporation failed to maintain appropriate documentation supporting student cohort removals in accordance with the IDOE requirements. This deficiency resulted from a lack of oversight, insufficient staff training on documentation standards, and the absence of formal review procedures to verify the accuracy and completeness of graduation rate data submitted. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 32 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Due to the lack of effective internal controls and noncompliance with the IDOE documentation requirements, the School Corporation submitted inaccurate graduation rate data for the audit period. Specifically, the improper or missing documentation for student cohort removals undermines the reliability of reported graduation rates. This misrepresentation of school performance can affect accountability determinations and jeopardize continued eligibility for federal funding tied to compliance with grant and reporting requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation The School Corporation should design and implement an internal control system to ensure compliance with the IDOE documentation requirements for graduation rate reporting. This includes establishing clear procedures for verifying and retaining acceptable student mobility documentation, assigning oversight responsibilities to ensure proper review of documentation and procedures, and providing staff with necessary support and resources over documentation standards. Periodic reviews and monitoring should be instituted to ensure compliance and improve documentation retention. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2023-007 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card/High School Graduation Rate Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card/High School Graduation Rate Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Findings This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-005. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation reports graduation rate data for all public high schools within the School Corporation using the four-year adjusted cohort rate. The School Corporation has a total of five high schools plus the juvenile detention center for which graduation rate data is submitted. To remove a student from the cohort, the School Corporation must confirm the reason for removal in writing. Additionally, required documentation for each removal type must be retained by the School Corporation. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has outlined the acceptable documentation required when a student exists in a cohort. Once a student's required documentation is received, the School Corporation may then remove the student from the graduation cohort using the associated mobility code. Of the 27 students selected for testing, 10 students had documentation maintained by the School Corporation; however, it was not appropriate per the IDOE's student mobility documentation requirements. There were 9 students that had no documentation to support its mobility code. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 20 USC 7801(23)(B) states: "To remove a student from a cohort, a school or local educational agency shall require documentation, or obtain documentation from the State educational agency, to confirm that the student has transferred out, emigrated to another country, or transferred to a prison or juvenile facility, or is deceased." Cause The School Corporation did not establish or implement an effective internal control system, including adequate segregation of duties, to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card/High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. Specifically, the School Corporation failed to maintain appropriate documentation supporting student cohort removals in accordance with the IDOE requirements. This deficiency resulted from a lack of oversight, insufficient staff training on documentation standards, and the absence of formal review procedures to verify the accuracy and completeness of graduation rate data submitted. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 32 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Due to the lack of effective internal controls and noncompliance with the IDOE documentation requirements, the School Corporation submitted inaccurate graduation rate data for the audit period. Specifically, the improper or missing documentation for student cohort removals undermines the reliability of reported graduation rates. This misrepresentation of school performance can affect accountability determinations and jeopardize continued eligibility for federal funding tied to compliance with grant and reporting requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation The School Corporation should design and implement an internal control system to ensure compliance with the IDOE documentation requirements for graduation rate reporting. This includes establishing clear procedures for verifying and retaining acceptable student mobility documentation, assigning oversight responsibilities to ensure proper review of documentation and procedures, and providing staff with necessary support and resources over documentation standards. Periodic reviews and monitoring should be instituted to ensure compliance and improve documentation retention. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-007 Finding Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card/High School Graduation Rate Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Ahnaf Tahmid & Marlaina Johns Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 574-393-6000, atahmid@sbcsc.k12.in.us, mjohns2@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: All enrollment, withdrawal, and transfer documentation is maintained in a centralized and well-organized system. Written notifications, withdrawal/transfer forms, and communications from receiving schools are placed in the student’s file and shared with the Guidance Secretary, Student Management Office, and Data Technician. Documents are uploaded or filed promptly, and the Data Technician conducts weekly reviews to ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper coding. This process keeps records current, supports compliance, and ensures timely updates to student enrollment data, including accurate mobility reporting for state accountability and cohort tracking. Correction Dates April 1, 2026
2022-005
FINDING 2023-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Activities Allowed or Unallowed Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U, 84.425C, 84.425W Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013, S425C200018, S425W210015 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA), and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation over payroll costs charged to grant funds. Payroll distribution reports were provided to the director responsible for the ESF grant compliance; however, documentation was not presented for audit as evidence of a review. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 33 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not establish or implement an effective internal control system over payroll processes to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements. Specifically, payroll charges to the ESF were not subject to a documented secondary review by a knowledgeable individual. Payroll distribution reports were provided to a secondary individual; however, the reports were not reviewed. Effect Because adequate internal controls were not in place, there was an increased risk that unallowable or unsupported payroll costs could be charged to the ESF. The absence of a documented secondary review reduced the School Corporation's ability to ensure that payroll expenditures were accurate, properly supported, and compliant with federal grant requirements. The lack of internal controls may lead to noncompliance, potential repayment obligations, and increased scrutiny from oversight agencies. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation The School Corporation should establish and implement an internal control system over payroll processes to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements. This includes developing formal procedures for documenting payroll charges to federal programs, review and approval processes by a second knowledgeable individual, and maintaining records to support all payroll expenditures. Staff involved in payroll and grant management should receive necessary support and resources regarding federal documentation standards and allowable cost principles. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2023-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Activities Allowed or Unallowed Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U, 84.425C, 84.425W Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013, S425C200018, S425W210015 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA), and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation over payroll costs charged to grant funds. Payroll distribution reports were provided to the director responsible for the ESF grant compliance; however, documentation was not presented for audit as evidence of a review. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 33 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not establish or implement an effective internal control system over payroll processes to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements. Specifically, payroll charges to the ESF were not subject to a documented secondary review by a knowledgeable individual. Payroll distribution reports were provided to a secondary individual; however, the reports were not reviewed. Effect Because adequate internal controls were not in place, there was an increased risk that unallowable or unsupported payroll costs could be charged to the ESF. The absence of a documented secondary review reduced the School Corporation's ability to ensure that payroll expenditures were accurate, properly supported, and compliant with federal grant requirements. The lack of internal controls may lead to noncompliance, potential repayment obligations, and increased scrutiny from oversight agencies. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation The School Corporation should establish and implement an internal control system over payroll processes to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements. This includes developing formal procedures for documenting payroll charges to federal programs, review and approval processes by a second knowledgeable individual, and maintaining records to support all payroll expenditures. Staff involved in payroll and grant management should receive necessary support and resources regarding federal documentation standards and allowable cost principles. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-008 Finding Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Activities Allowed or Unallowed Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Ahnaf Tahmid & Marlaina Johns Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 574-393-6000, atahmid@sbcsc.k12.in.us, mjohns2@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the findings Description of Corrective Action Plan: The Director of Federal Grants is responsible for ensuring that each grant fiscal officer reviews and signs the Payroll (Distribution) Certification Report. This report lists all individuals paid from the grant fund, the amount paid per paycheck, and the complete fund number. Fiscal officers are required to review the information and provide their signature to confirm its accuracy. The reports are then distributed to the fiscal officers for each grant. Each fiscal officer reviews the listed payments to confirm that the employees charged to the fund were appropriately paid from that grant and that the amounts are accurate. The fiscal officer signs the report to certify its accuracy or documents any discrepancies that require correction. After the report is signed, the Finance Department retains it for future audit purposes. Correction Date October 5, 2023
FINDING 2023-009 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U, 84.425C, 84.425W Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013, S425C200018, S425W210015 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. Based on information obtained during the audit, the scope of testing was expanded to include additional transactions in order to assess compliance with federal grant requirements. The expanded testing was necessary to obtain sufficient evidence regarding the allowability and documentation of grant expenditures. The following issues were noted during testing: Vendor Disbursements The School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for three vendors tested: Mamas Against Violence, LTIA, and Kingdom Life. Although Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were initiated by the Treasurer, no evidence was provided to demonstrate that the MOUs were reviewed or approved by the School Board at the time of execution. Information provided was based on documentation generated by the School Corporation, including purchase orders, handwritten vendor claim forms, and copies of check payments. However, no itemized vendor invoices were submitted to substantiate the services provided or the payments made, nor to detail the nature of the services rendered. In addition, the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation to verify student participation or substantiate any of the reported metrics associated with the MOU agreements. Payroll Records Out of ten additional payroll transactions tested, three employee pay rates could not be verified. One employee's pay rate did not agree with the salary ordinance, and the School Corporation was unable to provide documentation confirming School Board approval of the rate. The second employee's compensation could not be traced to specific work performed, as neither an hourly rate nor the number of hours worked was documented. The third employee's authorized salary was $30 per hour; however, the issued paycheck reflected $20 per hour. These issues combined resulted in known questioned costs of $38,400. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 35 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.430(i) states in part: "Standards for documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities (for IHE, this per the IHE's definition of IBS); . . . (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 36 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The School Corporation demonstrated weaknesses in documentation and compliance practices. Vendor contracts and payments lacked adequate supporting records, including evidence of the School Board approval for MOUs and itemized invoices. The School Board approved pay rates, hours worked, and reconciliation of authorized salaries to amounts paid, limiting the ability to verify the accuracy and appropriateness of expenditures. Effect Without proper documentation, the allowability of grant expenditures cannot be substantiated, creating a risk that unallowable costs may be charged to the federal grant. In addition, incomplete payroll records prevent verification of compensation, heightening the risk of inaccurate payments, unsupported variances, and potential misuse of federal funds. Questioned Costs Questioned costs in the amount of $38,400 were identified as described in the Condition and Context. Recommendation To address these deficiencies, the School Corporation should strengthen documentation practices by ensuring all vendor contracts, MOUs, and invoices are properly reviewed, approved by the School Board, and retained. Payroll internal controls should be improved by reconciling authorized salary ordinances to actual pay rates, documenting hours worked, and retaining evidence of the School Board approval for all compensation. In addition, periodic monitoring and internal reviews should be implemented to verify adherence to federal grant requirements and School Corporation policies, thereby reducing the risk of noncompliance and enhancing accountability. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2023-009 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U, 84.425C, 84.425W Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013, S425C200018, S425W210015 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. Based on information obtained during the audit, the scope of testing was expanded to include additional transactions in order to assess compliance with federal grant requirements. The expanded testing was necessary to obtain sufficient evidence regarding the allowability and documentation of grant expenditures. The following issues were noted during testing: Vendor Disbursements The School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for three vendors tested: Mamas Against Violence, LTIA, and Kingdom Life. Although Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were initiated by the Treasurer, no evidence was provided to demonstrate that the MOUs were reviewed or approved by the School Board at the time of execution. Information provided was based on documentation generated by the School Corporation, including purchase orders, handwritten vendor claim forms, and copies of check payments. However, no itemized vendor invoices were submitted to substantiate the services provided or the payments made, nor to detail the nature of the services rendered. In addition, the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation to verify student participation or substantiate any of the reported metrics associated with the MOU agreements. Payroll Records Out of ten additional payroll transactions tested, three employee pay rates could not be verified. One employee's pay rate did not agree with the salary ordinance, and the School Corporation was unable to provide documentation confirming School Board approval of the rate. The second employee's compensation could not be traced to specific work performed, as neither an hourly rate nor the number of hours worked was documented. The third employee's authorized salary was $30 per hour; however, the issued paycheck reflected $20 per hour. These issues combined resulted in known questioned costs of $38,400. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 35 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.430(i) states in part: "Standards for documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities (for IHE, this per the IHE's definition of IBS); . . . (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 36 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The School Corporation demonstrated weaknesses in documentation and compliance practices. Vendor contracts and payments lacked adequate supporting records, including evidence of the School Board approval for MOUs and itemized invoices. The School Board approved pay rates, hours worked, and reconciliation of authorized salaries to amounts paid, limiting the ability to verify the accuracy and appropriateness of expenditures. Effect Without proper documentation, the allowability of grant expenditures cannot be substantiated, creating a risk that unallowable costs may be charged to the federal grant. In addition, incomplete payroll records prevent verification of compensation, heightening the risk of inaccurate payments, unsupported variances, and potential misuse of federal funds. Questioned Costs Questioned costs in the amount of $38,400 were identified as described in the Condition and Context. Recommendation To address these deficiencies, the School Corporation should strengthen documentation practices by ensuring all vendor contracts, MOUs, and invoices are properly reviewed, approved by the School Board, and retained. Payroll internal controls should be improved by reconciling authorized salary ordinances to actual pay rates, documenting hours worked, and retaining evidence of the School Board approval for all compensation. In addition, periodic monitoring and internal reviews should be implemented to verify adherence to federal grant requirements and School Corporation policies, thereby reducing the risk of noncompliance and enhancing accountability. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-009 Finding Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Ahnaf Tahmid & Marlaina Johns Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 574-393-6000, atahmid@sbcsc.k12.in.us, mjohns2@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the findings Description of Corrective Action Plan: Payroll Human Resources worked with Regional Data Services to identify the cause of the issue and made corrections to prevent the data being lost on the administrative side moving forward. This involved updates to software stores and archives. The Director of Federal Grants is responsible for ensuring that each grant fiscal officer reviews and signs the Payroll (Distribution) Certification Report. This report lists all individuals paid from the grant fund, the amount paid per paycheck, and the complete fund number. Fiscal officers are required to review the information and provide their signature to confirm its accuracy. The reports are then distributed to the fiscal officers for each grant. Each fiscal officer reviews the listed payments to confirm that the employees charged to the fund were appropriately paid from that grant and that the amounts are accurate. The fiscal officer signs the report to certify its accuracy or documents any discrepancies that require correction. After the report is signed, the Finance Department retains it for future audit purposes. Vendor Contracts All contracts and MOUs follow a controlled approval process to ensure proper oversight and legal compliance. Once drafted, each agreement is submitted for review, and the Legal Department evaluates any document requiring an Opinion of Counsel or involving a waiver of the Corporation’s or School Board’s legal rights. Legal also maintains electronic copies of all finalized agreements. Contracts may only be approved by the Superintendent or the School Board, and MOUs must first be reviewed and approved by the Superintendent before going to the Board. After all required reviews and approvals are completed, the agreement is formally executed and electronically filed by the Legal Department. All required documentation specified in the contract will be retained, along with all related vendor invoices. Correction Date October 5, 2023 payroll and December 2024 vendor
FINDING 2023-010 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U, 84.425C, 84.425W Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013, S425C200018, S425W210015 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-007. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 37 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, one ESSER II report, and one ESSER III report, for a total of three reports. An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure these reports were accurate. As such, the annual data reports were prepared and submitted to the IDOE without an oversight or review process to prevent or detect and correct errors. All three reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The following errors were identified: The ESSER I, Year 3 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $1,526,046 in expenditures. However, actual expenditures for the applicable reporting period totaled $1,601,347. The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $10,293,210 in expenditures. However, actual expenditures for the applicable reporting period totaled $9,750,555. The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $15,939,167 in expenditures. However, actual expenditures for the applicable reporting period totaled $17,220,521. During the audit period, the School Corporation also received eight total reimbursements related to the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant. The School Corporation received two GEER reimbursements, two ESSER I reimbursements, two ESSER II reimbursements, two ESSER III reimbursements, and 2 ARP HCY reimbursements. All reimbursement request forms were tested against the School Corporations records for accuracy. Of the eight reimbursements requested, six forms tested were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The following errors were identified: GEER reimbursement requests forms were overstated by $3,580 compared to the School Corporation's records. ESSER I reimbursement request forms were $860,284 overstated compared to the School Corporation's records. ESSER II reimbursement request forms were overstated by $221,808 compared to the School Corporation's records. ESSER III reimbursement request forms were understated by $220,484 compared to the School Corporation's records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 38 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following. . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause The School Corporation did not establish or implement a properly designed internal control system, including appropriate segregation of duties, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial data submitted to the IDOE. The absence of formal review procedures, oversight mechanisms, and reconciliation processes resulted in the submission of materially misstated annual data reports and reimbursement requests. Contributing factors included inadequate staff training on federal reporting requirements, the lack of documented financial reporting policies, and insufficient allocation of resources to monitor compliance with grant guidelines. Effect As a result, the annual data reports submitted to the IDOE via JotForm were materially misstated and lacked proper support from the School Corporation's financial records. Additionally, six out of eight reimbursement request forms tested during the audit period were either overstated or understated, reflecting inconsistent and inaccurate financial reporting tied to federal grant activity. These systemic errors represent significant noncompliance and undermine the reliability of reporting used for state and federal oversight. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 39 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified Recommendation The School Corporation should strengthen its financial reporting processes related to federal grant activity by implementing a formal internal control system that ensures accuracy, consistency, and proper documentation. This includes reconciling financial records with data submitted through JotForm, establishing review procedures for reimbursement requests, and assigning qualified personnel to verify all reports prior to submission. Staff responsible for grant management and financial reporting should receive necessary support and resources regarding federal documentation standards and reporting requirements. The School Corporation should adopt standardized documentation policies and procedures across all departments to ensure compliance and oversight. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2023-010 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U, 84.425C, 84.425W Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013, S425C200018, S425W210015 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-007. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 37 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, one ESSER II report, and one ESSER III report, for a total of three reports. An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure these reports were accurate. As such, the annual data reports were prepared and submitted to the IDOE without an oversight or review process to prevent or detect and correct errors. All three reports submitted during the audit period were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The following errors were identified: The ESSER I, Year 3 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $1,526,046 in expenditures. However, actual expenditures for the applicable reporting period totaled $1,601,347. The ESSER II, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $10,293,210 in expenditures. However, actual expenditures for the applicable reporting period totaled $9,750,555. The ESSER III, Year 2 report, which had an applicable reporting period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, reported $15,939,167 in expenditures. However, actual expenditures for the applicable reporting period totaled $17,220,521. During the audit period, the School Corporation also received eight total reimbursements related to the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant. The School Corporation received two GEER reimbursements, two ESSER I reimbursements, two ESSER II reimbursements, two ESSER III reimbursements, and 2 ARP HCY reimbursements. All reimbursement request forms were tested against the School Corporations records for accuracy. Of the eight reimbursements requested, six forms tested were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The following errors were identified: GEER reimbursement requests forms were overstated by $3,580 compared to the School Corporation's records. ESSER I reimbursement request forms were $860,284 overstated compared to the School Corporation's records. ESSER II reimbursement request forms were overstated by $221,808 compared to the School Corporation's records. ESSER III reimbursement request forms were understated by $220,484 compared to the School Corporation's records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 38 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following. . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause The School Corporation did not establish or implement a properly designed internal control system, including appropriate segregation of duties, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial data submitted to the IDOE. The absence of formal review procedures, oversight mechanisms, and reconciliation processes resulted in the submission of materially misstated annual data reports and reimbursement requests. Contributing factors included inadequate staff training on federal reporting requirements, the lack of documented financial reporting policies, and insufficient allocation of resources to monitor compliance with grant guidelines. Effect As a result, the annual data reports submitted to the IDOE via JotForm were materially misstated and lacked proper support from the School Corporation's financial records. Additionally, six out of eight reimbursement request forms tested during the audit period were either overstated or understated, reflecting inconsistent and inaccurate financial reporting tied to federal grant activity. These systemic errors represent significant noncompliance and undermine the reliability of reporting used for state and federal oversight. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 39 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified Recommendation The School Corporation should strengthen its financial reporting processes related to federal grant activity by implementing a formal internal control system that ensures accuracy, consistency, and proper documentation. This includes reconciling financial records with data submitted through JotForm, establishing review procedures for reimbursement requests, and assigning qualified personnel to verify all reports prior to submission. Staff responsible for grant management and financial reporting should receive necessary support and resources regarding federal documentation standards and reporting requirements. The School Corporation should adopt standardized documentation policies and procedures across all departments to ensure compliance and oversight. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-010 Finding Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Ahnaf Tahmid & Marlaina Johns Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 574-393-6000, atahmid@sbcsc.k12.in.us, mjohns2@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the findings Description of Corrective Action Plan: Required IDOE templates (JotForm) are completed using AS400 budget detail reports and Position Control data, with revisions submitted during the September window to correct classifications and remove ineligible set-aside amounts. Adjustments were made to align ESSER I reporting and to avoid timing discrepancies by using budget detail rather than summary reports. The completed report will be reviewed for accuracy and approved prior to submission. Beginning in fall 2023, the reimbursement process was updated to include all required supporting documentation, such as transaction detail and summary reports. Each request is also reviewed and signed by the supervisor to document approval. On a recurring basis, the Director of Federal Grants generates the detailed expenditure report and budget summary. The detailed report is filtered to capture only the transactions occurring since the previous reimbursement request, making new expenditures easy to identify. These amounts are added to the cumulative reimbursement totals, which are then compared to the total disbursements shown on the summary report to ensure they align. Once the totals match, the reimbursement request is reviewed by the Chief Financial Officer and submitted to the awarding agency. Completion Date 6/30/25
2022-007
FAC accepted this audit on February 9, 2024 — management decision was due August 9, 2024.
FINDING 2022-002 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A190014 FY2021, S010A200014 FY2021 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance related to the grant agreement and the Eligibility and Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirements. Eligibility Data from the School Corporation's student software system is uploaded to the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE) Data Exchange System. Enrollment and poverty information for the School Corporation is then abstracted by the IDOE from the Data Exchange System. The School Corporation's Research and Evaluation team compared the lunch status eligibility used to determine student poverty in the student software system to the information in Data Exchange System at regular intervals. However, this process was not documented and, therefore, could not be verified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 Level of Effort Form 9 data is submitted to the IDOE semi-annually. The data reported includes the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during that period. The IDOE calculates Maintenance of Effort based on the expenditure information submitted on the Form 9 for that fiscal year. To verify amounts used by the IDOE in their computation were derived from the books and records of the School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they are recorded properly as to account and object code and reported correctly on the Form 9. SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) For payroll amounts, summary level payroll reports were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review; however, the reports lacked sufficient detail to effectively review and verify the proper employees were paid from the correct fund, account, and object codes. Earmarking A portion of the School Corporation's Title I allocation is required to be set aside for parental involvement and homeless reservation. The required amount to be set aside is indicated in the Title I grant application. The School Corporation is responsible for monitoring each required set aside throughout the life of the grant to ensure the obligation is met. Monitoring of each set aside was completed on the reimbursement requests; however, reimbursement requests, although reviewed by a knowledgeable employee, were supported by summary level payroll data. The summary level payroll did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify the proper employees were paid from or should have been paid from earmarked Title I funds. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2022-002 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A190014 FY2021, S010A200014 FY2021 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance related to the grant agreement and the Eligibility and Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirements. Eligibility Data from the School Corporation's student software system is uploaded to the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE) Data Exchange System. Enrollment and poverty information for the School Corporation is then abstracted by the IDOE from the Data Exchange System. The School Corporation's Research and Evaluation team compared the lunch status eligibility used to determine student poverty in the student software system to the information in Data Exchange System at regular intervals. However, this process was not documented and, therefore, could not be verified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 Level of Effort Form 9 data is submitted to the IDOE semi-annually. The data reported includes the School Corporation's expenditures recorded during that period. The IDOE calculates Maintenance of Effort based on the expenditure information submitted on the Form 9 for that fiscal year. To verify amounts used by the IDOE in their computation were derived from the books and records of the School Corporation, costs were reviewed to ensure they are recorded properly as to account and object code and reported correctly on the Form 9. SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) For payroll amounts, summary level payroll reports were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review; however, the reports lacked sufficient detail to effectively review and verify the proper employees were paid from the correct fund, account, and object codes. Earmarking A portion of the School Corporation's Title I allocation is required to be set aside for parental involvement and homeless reservation. The required amount to be set aside is indicated in the Title I grant application. The School Corporation is responsible for monitoring each required set aside throughout the life of the grant to ensure the obligation is met. Monitoring of each set aside was completed on the reimbursement requests; however, reimbursement requests, although reviewed by a knowledgeable employee, were supported by summary level payroll data. The summary level payroll did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify the proper employees were paid from or should have been paid from earmarked Title I funds. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place.
FINDING 2022-002 Finding Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies -Internal Controls Summary of Finding: Finding: Ineffective internal controls over Eligibility, Level of Efforts and Earmarking Recommendation: That the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Rafi Nolan-Abrahamian, Assistant Superintendent of Accountability and Innovation Kareemah Fowler, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Debra Martin, Director of Student Learning and of Title I Contact Phone Number and Email Address: Rafi Nolan-Abrahamian (574) 393-6179; rnolan-abrahamian@sbcsc.k12.in.us Kareemah Fowler (574) 393-6088; kfowler@sbcsc.k12.in.us Deb Martin (574) 393-6053; dmartin@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: Eligibility The district has followed the procedures below to ensure the publishing of accurate eligibility information. The district has now clearly documented the procedures for future audit cycles. Titan (lunch status data) is imported into PowerSchool every week by the Student Information System administrator in the lead up to October reporting deadlines. Prior to certification, the Data Content Manager republishes all of the student demographic/identification records to update the certified values. Pupil Enrollment rosters from Data Exchange are compared to files from Titan to verify alignment of all individual student lunch status values. Anticipated Completion Date: Completed October 2023 39 INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS SouthBendCommunitySchoolCorporation 215SouthDr.MartinLutherKingJr.Boulevard SouthBend,Indiana46601 5743936100 INTEGRITY•ACCOUNTABILITY•EMPOWERMENT ACADEMICQUALITY|EQUITY,INCLUSION&JUSTICE|FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY|COMMUNITYPARTNERSHIPS Level of Effort The Human Resources Department has added a second review to verify all employee distribution codes are correct when recording/updating employee requisitions. Additionally, detailed expense reports and payroll distribution reports that support each reimbursement request are being provided to knowledgeable employees to review. Anticipated Completion Date: Completed December 8, 2023, and May 2023 Earmarking Summary level payroll data is no longer being used to support reimbursement requests. Detailed expense reports and payroll distribution reports that support each reimbursement request are being provided to knowledgeable employees to review. Anticipated Completion Date: Completed May 2023
FINDING 2022-003 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A190014 FY2021, S010A200014 FY2021 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Costs charged to grant funds must be adequately documented. To adequately document payroll expenses charged to the grant fund, contracts or other documentation supporting the employees' approved rates of pay are necessary. The School Corporation utilized a financial software system that has two different sides, an employee portal side and an administrator side. Employee contracts are approved by the employee, the Superintendent of Schools, and the President of the School Board within the system on the employee portal side. Once approved, the data in the employee portal side is fed into a process in the administrator side. The School Corporation could not provide contracts for 10 of 15 employees tested, as the contracts were not properly archived in the financial software used to electronically approve and archive employment contracts. As such, we could not verify the employees were paid their contracted rate for hours spent working on grant-related activities. This resulted in known questioned costs of $203,488. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.430(i) states in part: "Standards for documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities (for IHE, this per the IHE's definition of IBS); . . . (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, not all employment contracts could be presented for audit nor could documentation be provided to support time charged to the grant. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were known questioned costs of $203,488 as identified in Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure contracts and certifications, as appropriate, are retained to support the amounts paid from Title I program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. Auditor's Response The alternative documentation provided was a snapshot from the administrator side of the financial software system; however, the original source document, which was the contract that was approved by the employee, the Superintendent of Schools, and the President of the School Board, was not provided to substantiate the amounts in the administrator side of the financial software system. We reaffirm our finding and will review the status of the finding during our next audit.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2022-003 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A190014 FY2021, S010A200014 FY2021 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Costs charged to grant funds must be adequately documented. To adequately document payroll expenses charged to the grant fund, contracts or other documentation supporting the employees' approved rates of pay are necessary. The School Corporation utilized a financial software system that has two different sides, an employee portal side and an administrator side. Employee contracts are approved by the employee, the Superintendent of Schools, and the President of the School Board within the system on the employee portal side. Once approved, the data in the employee portal side is fed into a process in the administrator side. The School Corporation could not provide contracts for 10 of 15 employees tested, as the contracts were not properly archived in the financial software used to electronically approve and archive employment contracts. As such, we could not verify the employees were paid their contracted rate for hours spent working on grant-related activities. This resulted in known questioned costs of $203,488. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.430(i) states in part: "Standards for documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities (for IHE, this per the IHE's definition of IBS); . . . (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, not all employment contracts could be presented for audit nor could documentation be provided to support time charged to the grant. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were known questioned costs of $203,488 as identified in Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure contracts and certifications, as appropriate, are retained to support the amounts paid from Title I program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. Auditor's Response The alternative documentation provided was a snapshot from the administrator side of the financial software system; however, the original source document, which was the contract that was approved by the employee, the Superintendent of Schools, and the President of the School Board, was not provided to substantiate the amounts in the administrator side of the financial software system. We reaffirm our finding and will review the status of the finding during our next audit.
FINDING 2022-003 Finding Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Summary of Finding: Finding: Documentation for 10 employees was not available to verify the contract amounts. Recommendation: Documents be retained to support amounts paid. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Kareemah Fowler, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Contact Phone Number and Email Address: (574) 393-6088; kfowler@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We disagree with the finding. Explanation and Reasons for Disagreement: While we agree that the single source document used by the State to validate a teacher’s contract was not available for 10 employees. We provided sufficient alternate documents that would allow the State to validate the contract's amount being paid, and whether the proper employees were paid from or should have been paid from the Title I funds. The documents provided sufficient data to support the questioned cost of $203,488 outlined in the finding. We will be working with our software vendor to rectify the glitch that prevented us from providing the documentation requested by the State for future audit. Description of Corrective Action Plan: We will be working with our software vendor to rectify the glitch that prevented us from providing the documentation requested by the State. Anticipated Completion Date: January 2024
FINDING 2022-004 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A190014 FY2021; S010A200014 FY2021 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context Form 9 Data The State uses the Form 9 data for their required submission of the average state per pupil expenditure data which is submitted to the National Center for Education Statistics. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The Form 9 reports are comprised of the School Corporation's transactions recorded during the audit period. Payroll reports, which included summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review; however, the reports did not include sufficient detail to effectively review and verify the proper employees were paid from the correct fund, account, and object codes. Reimbursement Requests Requests for reimbursement are utilized by the School Corporation to request reimbursement for allowable expenses paid from Title I funds. Requests for reimbursement should be based on and supported by transactions recorded in the Title I funds of the School Corporation. Summary level reports were run from the School Corporation's financial system by the Director of Federal Grants for the period in which reimbursement was requested. The reports were then attached to the reimbursement request. The Title I Director then approved the reimbursement request prior to submission. Of the three reimbursement requests selected for testing, two could not be verified to the summary level detail attached to the reimbursement request nor to a detailed list of transactions. As the amount requested for reimbursement could not be traced to detailed records nor reports which accumulated or summarized the data, the accuracy and completeness of the reimbursement requests could not be verified. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 27 INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, the amounts requested for reimbursement could not be reconciled to the School Corporation's underlying accounting records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure detailed supporting documentation is used and retained when reviewing Form 9 data and for all requests for reimbursements submitted on behalf of the Title I program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2022-004 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A190014 FY2021; S010A200014 FY2021 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context Form 9 Data The State uses the Form 9 data for their required submission of the average state per pupil expenditure data which is submitted to the National Center for Education Statistics. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The Form 9 reports are comprised of the School Corporation's transactions recorded during the audit period. Payroll reports, which included summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review; however, the reports did not include sufficient detail to effectively review and verify the proper employees were paid from the correct fund, account, and object codes. Reimbursement Requests Requests for reimbursement are utilized by the School Corporation to request reimbursement for allowable expenses paid from Title I funds. Requests for reimbursement should be based on and supported by transactions recorded in the Title I funds of the School Corporation. Summary level reports were run from the School Corporation's financial system by the Director of Federal Grants for the period in which reimbursement was requested. The reports were then attached to the reimbursement request. The Title I Director then approved the reimbursement request prior to submission. Of the three reimbursement requests selected for testing, two could not be verified to the summary level detail attached to the reimbursement request nor to a detailed list of transactions. As the amount requested for reimbursement could not be traced to detailed records nor reports which accumulated or summarized the data, the accuracy and completeness of the reimbursement requests could not be verified. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 27 INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, the amounts requested for reimbursement could not be reconciled to the School Corporation's underlying accounting records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure detailed supporting documentation is used and retained when reviewing Form 9 data and for all requests for reimbursements submitted on behalf of the Title I program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-004 Finding Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Reporting Summary of Finding: Finding: Detail data on the Form 9 and Reimbursement Request was not provided to knowledgeable individuals for review. Recommendation: Design control that provides sufficient data to knowledgeable individuals for review. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Kareemah Fowler, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Contact Phone Number and Email Address: (574) 393-6088; kfowler@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the findings. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Form 9 Data The Human Resources Department has added a second review to verify all employee distribution codes are correct when recording/updating employee requisitions. Additionally, detailed expense reports and payroll distribution reports that support each reimbursement request are being provided to knowledgeable employees to review. Anticipated Completion Date: Completed December 8, 2023, and May 2023 Reimbursement Requests Summary level payroll data is no longer being used to support reimbursement requests. Detailed expense reports and payroll distribution reports that support each reimbursement request are being provided to knowledgeable employees to review. Anticipated Completion Date: Completed May 2023.
FINDING 2022-005 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card/High School Graduation Rate Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers) S010A190014 FY2021, S010A200014 FY2021 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card/High School Graduation Rate Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation reports graduation rate data for all public high schools within the School Corporation using the four-year adjusted cohort rate. To remove a student from the cohort, the School Corporation must confirm the reason for removal in writing. Additionally, required documentation for each removal type must be retained by the School Corporation. The Indiana Department of Education has outlined the acceptable documentation required when a student exists in a cohort. The School Corporation has a total of five high schools plus the juvenile detention center for which graduation rate data is submitted. A withdrawal form is utilized by each high school and the juvenile detention center to document the reason for a withdrawal. The withdrawal form and supporting documentation is then approved by an official at that student's high school prior to the student being removed from the cohort. Of the 15 students selected for testing, the following errors were noted: One student's mobility was not properly coded. One student's documentation did not clearly state the city and country the student was moving to. One student's documentation was lacking a court order or other documentation from the juvenile detention center to evidence that the student was detained more than 20 days. One student's documentation did not include the required transcript request or enrollment verification. Two students did not have any documentation to support the student's withdrawal. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 20 USC 7801(23)(B) states: "To remove a student from a cohort, a school or local educational agency shall require documentation, or obtain documentation from the State educational agency, to confirm that the student has transferred out, emigrated to another country, or transferred to a prison or juvenile facility, or is deceased." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, adequate documentation to support the reason for a student's removal from the high school graduation cohort for mobility reasons was not retained. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure appropriate documentation is retained to support the removal of students from the graduation cohort. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2022-005 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card/High School Graduation Rate Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers) S010A190014 FY2021, S010A200014 FY2021 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card/High School Graduation Rate Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation reports graduation rate data for all public high schools within the School Corporation using the four-year adjusted cohort rate. To remove a student from the cohort, the School Corporation must confirm the reason for removal in writing. Additionally, required documentation for each removal type must be retained by the School Corporation. The Indiana Department of Education has outlined the acceptable documentation required when a student exists in a cohort. The School Corporation has a total of five high schools plus the juvenile detention center for which graduation rate data is submitted. A withdrawal form is utilized by each high school and the juvenile detention center to document the reason for a withdrawal. The withdrawal form and supporting documentation is then approved by an official at that student's high school prior to the student being removed from the cohort. Of the 15 students selected for testing, the following errors were noted: One student's mobility was not properly coded. One student's documentation did not clearly state the city and country the student was moving to. One student's documentation was lacking a court order or other documentation from the juvenile detention center to evidence that the student was detained more than 20 days. One student's documentation did not include the required transcript request or enrollment verification. Two students did not have any documentation to support the student's withdrawal. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 20 USC 7801(23)(B) states: "To remove a student from a cohort, a school or local educational agency shall require documentation, or obtain documentation from the State educational agency, to confirm that the student has transferred out, emigrated to another country, or transferred to a prison or juvenile facility, or is deceased." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, adequate documentation to support the reason for a student's removal from the high school graduation cohort for mobility reasons was not retained. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure appropriate documentation is retained to support the removal of students from the graduation cohort. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-005 Finding Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card/High School Graduation Rate Summary of Finding: Finding: Exit documentation was missing or incorrectly matched with student mobility codes for students in the testing sample of the 2022 cohort. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Rafi Nolan-Abrahamian, Assistant Superintendent of Accountability and Innovation Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 574-393-6179; rnolan-abrahamian@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: SBCSC will conduct re-training of all High School principals and data technicians to review SBCSC withdrawal policies (outlined below), along with required documentation for each exit/mobility code. This training will be conducted in January 2024. District staff will confirm with each high school that procedures below are in place by reviewing cohort binders with the principal and data technician. Meetings will be scheduled in the Spring of 2024. Procedure for Withdrawing Students from all SBCSC High Schools Anytime a parent requests that a student withdraw from a high school, the following steps must be followed. If a parent is not requesting a transfer, the principal will complete an exit interview. All transfers will follow this procedure. (Please also see the procedure for processing no shows.) 1. Only the principal is allowed to sign the withdrawal form. If the principal is not available, an assistant principal may sign the withdrawal form and immediately email it to the principal. 2. Prior to signing the withdrawal form, the principal will speak with the parents and student to gather any information that may help the school understand why a withdrawal is necessary. Once this conversation has happened, the principal will advise the parent and student. 43 INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS SouthBendCommunitySchoolCorporation 215SouthDr.MartinLutherKingJr.Boulevard SouthBend,Indiana46601 5743936100 INTEGRITY•ACCOUNTABILITY•EMPOWERMENT ACADEMICQUALITY|EQUITY,INCLUSION&JUSTICE|FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY|COMMUNITYPARTNERSHIPS 3. If it is determined that the student will transfer, the signed withdrawal form will be filed in a binder based on class cohort. For example, all students scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2022 will be filed with the 2022 cohort. The principal must determine the name and contact information for the receiving school. 4. It is the responsibility of the data technician to manage these cohorts by checking Learning Connection weekly. If discrepancies are visible in Learning Connection, a data technician will contact the SBCSC Department of Research and Evaluation and the IDOE. 5. The secretary of student management will forward any requests for records to the data technician to file with the student’s withdrawal paperwork. (We must have a request for records for every student withdrawing from SBCSC.) 6. The data technician will follow up regarding any student with whom we did not receive a request for records for within one week of the withdrawal. The data technician will contact the receiving school and parent to locate the records request. 7. The data technician will continue to locate a request for records weekly until the request is received by SBCSC. 8. Documentation will be maintained of all efforts made to collect the information. Anticipated Completion Date: Spring 2024
FINDING 2022-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters 30 INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The Education Stabilization Fund established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. Costs charged to grant funds must be adequately documented. To adequately document payroll expenses charged to the grant fund, contracts or other documentation supporting the employees' approved rates of pay are necessary. The School Corporation utilized a financial software system that has two different sides, an employee portal side and an administrator side. Employee contracts are approved by the employee, the Superintendent of Schools, and the President of the School Board within the system on the employee portal side. Once approved, the data in the employee portal side is fed into a process in the administrator side. The School Corporation could not provide contracts for 3 of 13 employees tested, as the contracts were not properly archived in the financial software used to electronically approve and archive employment contracts. As such, we could not verify the employees were paid their contracted rate for hours spent working on grant-related activities. This resulted in known questioned costs of $26,207. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.430(i) states in part: "Standards for documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities (for IHE, this per the IHE's definition of IBS); . . . (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal control, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, not all employment contracts could be presented for audit nor could documentation be provided to support time charged to the grant. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were known questioned costs of $26,207 as identified in the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure contracts and certifications, as appropriate, are retained to support the amounts paid from Education Stabilization Fund program funds. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 32 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. Auditor's Response The alternative documentation provided was a snapshot from the administrator side of the financial software system; however, the original source document, which was the contract that was approved by the employee, the Superintendent of Schools, and the President of the School Board, was not provided to substantiate the amounts in the administrator side of the financial software system. We reaffirm our finding and will review the status of the finding during our next audit.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2022-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters 30 INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The Education Stabilization Fund established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. Costs charged to grant funds must be adequately documented. To adequately document payroll expenses charged to the grant fund, contracts or other documentation supporting the employees' approved rates of pay are necessary. The School Corporation utilized a financial software system that has two different sides, an employee portal side and an administrator side. Employee contracts are approved by the employee, the Superintendent of Schools, and the President of the School Board within the system on the employee portal side. Once approved, the data in the employee portal side is fed into a process in the administrator side. The School Corporation could not provide contracts for 3 of 13 employees tested, as the contracts were not properly archived in the financial software used to electronically approve and archive employment contracts. As such, we could not verify the employees were paid their contracted rate for hours spent working on grant-related activities. This resulted in known questioned costs of $26,207. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.430(i) states in part: "Standards for documentation of Personnel Expenses (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities (for IHE, this per the IHE's definition of IBS); . . . (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal control, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, not all employment contracts could be presented for audit nor could documentation be provided to support time charged to the grant. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were known questioned costs of $26,207 as identified in the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure contracts and certifications, as appropriate, are retained to support the amounts paid from Education Stabilization Fund program funds. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 32 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. Auditor's Response The alternative documentation provided was a snapshot from the administrator side of the financial software system; however, the original source document, which was the contract that was approved by the employee, the Superintendent of Schools, and the President of the School Board, was not provided to substantiate the amounts in the administrator side of the financial software system. We reaffirm our finding and will review the status of the finding during our next audit.
FINDING 2022-006 Finding Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Summary of Finding: Finding: Documentation for 3 employees was not available to verify the contract amounts. Recommendation: Documents be retained to support amounts paid. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Kareemah Fowler, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Contact Phone Number and Email Address: (574) 393-6088; kfowler@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We disagree with the finding. Explanation and Reasons for Disagreement: While we agree that the single source document used by the State to validate a teacher’s contract was not available for 3 employees. We provided sufficient alternate documents that would allow the State to validate the contract amount being paid, and whether the proper employees were paid from or should have been paid from the Education Stabilization Funds. The documents provided sufficient data to support the questioned cost of $26,207 outlined in the finding. We will be working with our software vendor to rectify the glitch that prevented us from providing the documentation requested by the State for future audit. Description of Corrective Action Plan: We will be working with our software vendor to rectify the glitch that prevented us from providing the documentation requested by the State. Anticipated Completion Date: January 2024
FINDING 2022-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. The School Corporation submitted three reports during the audit period; however, a single employee prepared and submitted the reports without a review or oversight process in place to prevent or detect and correct errors. Additionally, two of the three reports tested, ESSER I Year 2 and ESSER II Year 1, were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The financial information provided was based on estimates and actual expenditures, and did not agree with the data submitted in the reports, nor to the School Corporation's records; therefore, the reports were determined to be inaccurate and incomplete. The key line item "Overall Expenditures" was tested on both reports. The ESSER I Year 2 report overall expenditures key line item was determined to be understated by $140,160. The ESSER II Year 1 overall expenditures key line item was determined to be overstated by $2,745,818. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. 33 INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following. . . ." (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federallyfunded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, the amounts requested for reimbursement could not be reconciled to the School Corporation's underlying accounting records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting documentation is used and retained for all required reports submitted on behalf of the Education Stabilization Fund program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2022-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. The School Corporation submitted three reports during the audit period; however, a single employee prepared and submitted the reports without a review or oversight process in place to prevent or detect and correct errors. Additionally, two of the three reports tested, ESSER I Year 2 and ESSER II Year 1, were not supported by the School Corporation's records. The financial information provided was based on estimates and actual expenditures, and did not agree with the data submitted in the reports, nor to the School Corporation's records; therefore, the reports were determined to be inaccurate and incomplete. The key line item "Overall Expenditures" was tested on both reports. The ESSER I Year 2 report overall expenditures key line item was determined to be understated by $140,160. The ESSER II Year 1 overall expenditures key line item was determined to be overstated by $2,745,818. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. 33 INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following. . . ." (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federallyfunded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 34 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, the amounts requested for reimbursement could not be reconciled to the School Corporation's underlying accounting records. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting documentation is used and retained for all required reports submitted on behalf of the Education Stabilization Fund program funds. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-007 Finding Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Summary of Finding: Finding: No oversight of reports and supporting documentation did not agrees to report submitted Recommendation: Provide oversight of reports submitted and retain supporting documentation that agrees to reports submitted Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Kareemah Fowler, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Deb Martin, Director of Student Learning & Title I Contact Phone Number and Email Address: Kareemah Fowler (574) 393-6088; kfowler@sbcsc.k12.in.us Deb Martin (574) 393-6053; dmartin@sbcsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: All reports and supporting documentation, which supports each report submitted, will be reviewed/approved by the program director. All supporting documentation will be retained for future audits. Anticipated Completion Date: December 8, 2024
FAC accepted this audit on August 16, 2023 — management decision was due February 16, 2024.
FAC accepted this audit on January 13, 2022 — management decision was due July 13, 2022.
FINDING 2020-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/ Cost Principles, Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children CFDA Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): FY 19-20 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report related to Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts. The prior audit finding number was 2019-006. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts compliance requirements. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that program costs were supported by proper documentation, were allowable, and only for the operation of the food service program. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from the School Lunch fund. The School Corporation paid for trash removal services from the School Lunch fund without adequate documentation to support that the amount paid was an allowable cost of the federal program. All transactions related to trash removal services (services) paid from the School Lunch fund were reviewed. In all cases, the amount paid from the School Lunch fund was based on an allocation percentage of 37 percent of the entire invoice. The invoice represented the services provided to the School Corporation as a whole and did not distinguish an amount for the services provided to the school food service. The School Corporation could not provide documentation that supported that the portion allocated to the School Lunch fund was a direct cost of the federal program. The amount of questioned costs identified was $67,768, which was the entire amount paid for trash removal services by the School Lunch fund during the audit period. The School Corporation entered into a cost reimbursement contract, dated August 14, 2019, with a food service management company (FSMC) for the operation of the food service program. The School Corporation did not have adequate policies and procedures to ensure that the FSMC costs were supported by proper documentation, were allowable, and only for the operation of the food service program. The School Corporation did not receive itemized invoices to support the amounts paid to the FSMC; however, invoices were made available for audit when requested. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period, and the noncompliance was isolated to the trash removal services expenditures. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause Management had not established an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. The failure to establish an effective internal control system could have enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts compliance requirements. Questioned Costs Known questioned costs of $67,768 were identified as described above in the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and to comply with the compliance requirements listed above. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2020-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/ Cost Principles, Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children CFDA Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): FY 19-20 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report related to Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts. The prior audit finding number was 2019-006. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts compliance requirements. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that program costs were supported by proper documentation, were allowable, and only for the operation of the food service program. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from the School Lunch fund. The School Corporation paid for trash removal services from the School Lunch fund without adequate documentation to support that the amount paid was an allowable cost of the federal program. All transactions related to trash removal services (services) paid from the School Lunch fund were reviewed. In all cases, the amount paid from the School Lunch fund was based on an allocation percentage of 37 percent of the entire invoice. The invoice represented the services provided to the School Corporation as a whole and did not distinguish an amount for the services provided to the school food service. The School Corporation could not provide documentation that supported that the portion allocated to the School Lunch fund was a direct cost of the federal program. The amount of questioned costs identified was $67,768, which was the entire amount paid for trash removal services by the School Lunch fund during the audit period. The School Corporation entered into a cost reimbursement contract, dated August 14, 2019, with a food service management company (FSMC) for the operation of the food service program. The School Corporation did not have adequate policies and procedures to ensure that the FSMC costs were supported by proper documentation, were allowable, and only for the operation of the food service program. The School Corporation did not receive itemized invoices to support the amounts paid to the FSMC; however, invoices were made available for audit when requested. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period, and the noncompliance was isolated to the trash removal services expenditures. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause Management had not established an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. The failure to establish an effective internal control system could have enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts compliance requirements. Questioned Costs Known questioned costs of $67,768 were identified as described above in the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and to comply with the compliance requirements listed above. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Finding 2020-002 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Tanera Winters Contact Phone Number: 574-393-6060 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: New internal control processes to ensure that programs? cost was supported by proper documentation, were allowable and only for the operation of the food service program were implemented in March of 2020. Detailed Payroll Distributions reports are being provided to knowledgeable employees for review to ensure that the proper employees were paid from the School Lunch Fund. An alternative funding source will be used to pay for trash services. Internal control procedures will be developed and implemented to ensure that the food service management company (FSMC) costs are supported by proper documentation, are allowable, and only for operation of the food service program. This process will be assigned to a staff member within the food service department to ensure compliance. Anticipated Completion Date: This will be an on-going monthly process starting January 1, 2022
2019-006
FINDING 2020-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children CFDA Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): FY 19-20 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2019-007. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the procurement requirements of the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have a system of internal controls in place for procurements that exceed the simplified acquisition and small purchase thresholds. The School Corporation did not have a system of internal controls in place to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in federal assistance programs prior to entering into contracts that exceeded $25,000. The School Corporation did not follow procurement requirements for purchases, which exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation did not solicit bids for purchases that exceeded $150,000. All three of the simplified acquisition procurements tested did not comply. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for purchases of goods or services exceeding $10,000 from an adequate number of sources, which fell under the small purchase procedures. All three of the small purchase procurements tested did not comply. The School Corporation contracted with a food service management company (FSMC) for the operation of the food service program. The School Corporation did not have policies or procedures to ensure compliance with procurement requirements to verify that the invoices submitted to the School Corporation were those actually paid by the FSMC, or to ensure that the FSMC invoices included credits, for any discounts, rebates, or other credits. The School Corporation did not request, nor did the FSMC provide documentation to verify that the invoices received by the School Corporation encompassed the same invoices that were paid by the FSMC, and that the products charged were received. The School Corporation also did not verify the return of discounts, rebates, or credits from the FSMC. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. (c) Procurement by sealed bids (formal advertising). Bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bid method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions in paragraph (c)(1) of this section apply. . . . (f) Procurement by noncompetitive proposals. Procurement by noncompetitive proposals is procurement through solicitation of a proposal from only one source and may be used only when one or more of the following circumstances apply: (1) The item is available only from a single source; (2) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from competitive solicitation; (3) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes noncompetitive proposals in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or (4) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate." 7 CFR 210.21(f)(vi) states: "The contractor must maintain documentation of costs and discounts, rebates and other applicable credits, and must furnish such documentation upon request to the school food authority, the State agency, or the Department." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement, and comply with the procurement requirement of the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2020-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children, COVID-19 - Summer Food Service Program for Children CFDA Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): FY 19-20 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2019-007. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the procurement requirements of the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have a system of internal controls in place for procurements that exceed the simplified acquisition and small purchase thresholds. The School Corporation did not have a system of internal controls in place to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in federal assistance programs prior to entering into contracts that exceeded $25,000. The School Corporation did not follow procurement requirements for purchases, which exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation did not solicit bids for purchases that exceeded $150,000. All three of the simplified acquisition procurements tested did not comply. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for purchases of goods or services exceeding $10,000 from an adequate number of sources, which fell under the small purchase procedures. All three of the small purchase procurements tested did not comply. The School Corporation contracted with a food service management company (FSMC) for the operation of the food service program. The School Corporation did not have policies or procedures to ensure compliance with procurement requirements to verify that the invoices submitted to the School Corporation were those actually paid by the FSMC, or to ensure that the FSMC invoices included credits, for any discounts, rebates, or other credits. The School Corporation did not request, nor did the FSMC provide documentation to verify that the invoices received by the School Corporation encompassed the same invoices that were paid by the FSMC, and that the products charged were received. The School Corporation also did not verify the return of discounts, rebates, or credits from the FSMC. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318(i) states: "The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. (c) Procurement by sealed bids (formal advertising). Bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bid method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions in paragraph (c)(1) of this section apply. . . . (f) Procurement by noncompetitive proposals. Procurement by noncompetitive proposals is procurement through solicitation of a proposal from only one source and may be used only when one or more of the following circumstances apply: (1) The item is available only from a single source; (2) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from competitive solicitation; (3) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes noncompetitive proposals in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or (4) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate." 7 CFR 210.21(f)(vi) states: "The contractor must maintain documentation of costs and discounts, rebates and other applicable credits, and must furnish such documentation upon request to the school food authority, the State agency, or the Department." Cause Management had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective system of internal controls enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement, and comply with the procurement requirement of the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN Finding 2020-003 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Tanera Winters/Rahman Johnson Contact Phone Number: 574-393-6060/574-393-6192 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: The Purchasing Department will monitor all contracts submitted to the School Board for approval and conduct a SAM search to determine if the contractors have been suspended or debarred from doing business with the federal government. The results of the search will be placed in a shared folder that will be reviewed/monitored by the Director of Internal Audit. The Purchasing Department will oversee all purchases made from the Food and Nutrition Department to ensure that bids are taken for all purchases exceeding $150,000. For small purchases exceeding $10,000, the Food Service Department will obtain and retain at least three quotes, however due to the effects of COVID-19 and the availability of products, we are currently procuring goods from vendors that can supply goods in a timely manner to ensure we continue to provide food services to our student population. When the Food Service Management Company (FSMC) invoices are submitted, the operations ledger which supports FSMC claim will be used to document the verification of invoices paid for the month. Due to the volume of invoices, a random sample of invoice will be pulled for testing. Supporting documentation for the verified invoices will be retained and attached to the claim. Anticipated Completion Date: This will be an on-going monthly process starting January 1, 2022
2019-007
FINDING 2020-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Special Tests and Provisions - Verification of Free and Reduced Priced Applications (NSLP) Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 ? National School Lunch Program CFDA Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): FY 19-20 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Verification of Free and Reduced Priced Applications (NSLP) Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Verification of Free and Reduced Priced Applications (NSLP) compliance requirement. One employee performed the verifications of free and reduced price meal applications and made the determination of whether or not a change in eligibility was necessary without documentation of an oversight or review process to ensure accuracy. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause Management had not implemented a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish effective internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Verification of Free and Reduced Applications (NSLP) compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2020-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Special Tests and Provisions - Verification of Free and Reduced Priced Applications (NSLP) Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 ? National School Lunch Program CFDA Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): FY 19-20 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Verification of Free and Reduced Priced Applications (NSLP) Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Verification of Free and Reduced Priced Applications (NSLP) compliance requirement. One employee performed the verifications of free and reduced price meal applications and made the determination of whether or not a change in eligibility was necessary without documentation of an oversight or review process to ensure accuracy. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause Management had not implemented a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish effective internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Verification of Free and Reduced Applications (NSLP) compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN Finding 2020-004 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Tanera Winters Contact Phone Number: 574-393-6060 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: Since all schools within the corporation are CEP for the fiscal year 2020/2021 verification of the free and reduced lunch applications, verification is no longer required.
FINDING 2020-005 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies CFDA Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A180014 19-7205, S010A180014 20-7205, S010A180014 FY2019, S010A180014 FY2020 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed/Unallowed; Allowable Costs/Cost Principles; Eligibility; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking; Reporting; Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat of Finding 2019-003 from the immediately prior audit report regarding Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking, and a repeat of Finding 2019-004 regarding Eligibility. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed; Allowable Costs/Cost Principles; Eligibility; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking; Reporting; and Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance requirements. Activities Allowed/Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that payroll disbursements were for allowable costs. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from Title I funds. Eligibility The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that the information submitted to the Indiana Department of Education for poverty status was supported by the School Corporation's records. Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking and Reporting (State Per Pupil Expenditure - SPPE) The Indiana Department of Education (State) used the Form 9 financial reports submitted by the School Corporation to determine if the school met the required maintenance of effort and in the State's submission of the average State per pupil expenditure data submitted to the National Center for Education Statistics. These reports were comprised of the School Corporation's transactions recorded during the audit period. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures over payroll type disbursements related to Level of Effort, Earmarking, and Reporting requirements. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from earmarked Title I funds and from the correct fund, account, and object codes. Additionally, payroll benefit disbursements were prepared by an employee without proper oversight or review for four of the 47 vendor claims tested. Level of Effort - Supplement Not Supplant The School Corporation used their comparability report to ensure they properly staffed schools with state and local funds it would have otherwise received if it were not receiving Title I funds. The report was prepared without documentation of an oversight or a review process in place. Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that the planned services were delivered to the non-public students. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause Management had not established an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system could have enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements to occur and remain undetected. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed; Allowable Costs/Cost Principles; Eligibility; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking; Reporting; and Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2020-005 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies CFDA Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A180014 19-7205, S010A180014 20-7205, S010A180014 FY2019, S010A180014 FY2020 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed/Unallowed; Allowable Costs/Cost Principles; Eligibility; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking; Reporting; Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat of Finding 2019-003 from the immediately prior audit report regarding Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking, and a repeat of Finding 2019-004 regarding Eligibility. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed; Allowable Costs/Cost Principles; Eligibility; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking; Reporting; and Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance requirements. Activities Allowed/Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that payroll disbursements were for allowable costs. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from Title I funds. Eligibility The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that the information submitted to the Indiana Department of Education for poverty status was supported by the School Corporation's records. Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking and Reporting (State Per Pupil Expenditure - SPPE) The Indiana Department of Education (State) used the Form 9 financial reports submitted by the School Corporation to determine if the school met the required maintenance of effort and in the State's submission of the average State per pupil expenditure data submitted to the National Center for Education Statistics. These reports were comprised of the School Corporation's transactions recorded during the audit period. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures over payroll type disbursements related to Level of Effort, Earmarking, and Reporting requirements. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from earmarked Title I funds and from the correct fund, account, and object codes. Additionally, payroll benefit disbursements were prepared by an employee without proper oversight or review for four of the 47 vendor claims tested. Level of Effort - Supplement Not Supplant The School Corporation used their comparability report to ensure they properly staffed schools with state and local funds it would have otherwise received if it were not receiving Title I funds. The report was prepared without documentation of an oversight or a review process in place. Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that the planned services were delivered to the non-public students. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause Management had not established an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system could have enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements to occur and remain undetected. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed; Allowable Costs/Cost Principles; Eligibility; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking; Reporting; and Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN Finding 2020-005 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Debra Martin Contact Phone Number: 574-393-6060 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: Activities Allowed/Unallowed & Allowable Costs/Cost Principles New internal control processes to ensure that programs cost was supported by proper documentation, were allowable and only for the operation of the Title I program were implemented in March of 2020. Detailed Payroll Distributions reports are being provided to knowledgeable employees for review to ensure that the proper employees were paid from the Title I Funds. Evidence of the review are then given to the Director of Internal Audit for Review. Eligibility Internal controls will be created to ensure that the information submitted to the Indiana Department of Education is accurate and properly supported school records. Title I staff will also be assigned to various tasks in efforts to segregate non-compatible duties related to the Eligibility requirement. During the grant planning cycle, the Title I Budget Supervisor will be responsible for compiling and preparing documentation needed to determine eligibility using the Composite Poverty Method. The files will then be presented to the Director of Title I and School Learning for review. Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking and Reporting (State Per Pupil Expenditure - SPPE) New internal control processes to ensure that programs cost was supported by proper documentation, were allowable and only for the operation of the food service program were implemented in March of 2020. Detailed Payroll Distributions reports are being provided to knowledgeable employees for review to ensure INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 48 that the proper employees were paid from the Title I Funds. Evidence of the review are then given to the Director of Internal Audit for Review. Level of Effort ? Supplement Not Supplant The comparability report used by the School Corporation (Corporation) to ensure that the Corporation properly staffed schools with state and local funds it would have otherwise received if it were not receiving Title I funds will be reviewed by the Director of Title I and School Learning. Special Tests and Provisions ? Participation of Private School Children The Title I staff will follow the procedures listed in the Title I Policy and Procedures For Nonpublic School. (See attachment) Anticipated Completion Date: Payroll Certification were implemented in March of 2020. Other Policies will be implemented in the next Title I planning cycle.
2019-003, 2019-004
FINDING 2020-006 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies CFDA Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A180014 19-7205, S010A180014 20-7205, S010A180014 FY2019, S010A180014 FY2020 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2019-005. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls to ensure that documentation regarding the reason for a student being removed from the high school graduation cohort for mobility reasons was prepared, reviewed, and retained. The School Corporation failed to comply with the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement, which necessitated that for students removed from the high school graduation cohort for mobility reasons, there was proper written documentation to support the identified mobility code. Of the 30 students tested, 3 students did not have the required supporting documentation to substantiate removal from the cohort for mobility reasons, and two students did not have any supporting documentation. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 20 USC 7801(23)(B) states: "To remove a student from a cohort, a school or local educational agency shall require documentation, or obtain documentation from the State educational agency, to confirm that the student has transferred out, emigrated to another country, or transferred to a prison or juvenile facility, or is deceased." Cause The School Corporation had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement or the compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2020-006 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies CFDA Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A180014 19-7205, S010A180014 20-7205, S010A180014 FY2019, S010A180014 FY2020 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2019-005. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls to ensure that documentation regarding the reason for a student being removed from the high school graduation cohort for mobility reasons was prepared, reviewed, and retained. The School Corporation failed to comply with the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement, which necessitated that for students removed from the high school graduation cohort for mobility reasons, there was proper written documentation to support the identified mobility code. Of the 30 students tested, 3 students did not have the required supporting documentation to substantiate removal from the cohort for mobility reasons, and two students did not have any supporting documentation. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 20 USC 7801(23)(B) states: "To remove a student from a cohort, a school or local educational agency shall require documentation, or obtain documentation from the State educational agency, to confirm that the student has transferred out, emigrated to another country, or transferred to a prison or juvenile facility, or is deceased." Cause The School Corporation had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement or the compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN Finding 2020-006 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Rafi Nolan-Abrahamian Contact Phone Number: 574-393-6179 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: The withdrawal procedures outlined below, followed with fidelity, have ensured accurate documentation for nearly all high school students reported to mobility. To achieve 100% compliance, the corporation will provide updated training on current withdrawal procedures to all high school enrollment teams in the Spring of 2022. Procedure for Withdrawing Students from all SBCSC High Schools Anytime a parent requests that a student withdraw from a high school, the following steps must be followed. If a parent is not requesting a transfer, the principal will complete an exit interview. All transfers will follow this procedure. (Please also see the procedure for processing no shows.) 1. Only the principal is allowed to sign the withdrawal form. If the principal is not available, an assistant principal may sign the withdrawal form and immediately email it to the principal. 2. Prior to signing the withdrawal form, the principal will speak with the parents and student to gather any information that may help the school understand why a withdrawal is necessary. Once this conversation has happened, the principal will advise the parent and student. 3. If it is determined that the student will transfer, the signed withdrawal form will be filed in a binder based on class cohort. For example, all students scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2022 will be filed with the 2022 cohort. The principal must determine the name and contact information for the receiving school. 4. It is the responsibility of the data technician to manage these cohorts by checking Learning Connection weekly. If discrepancies are visible in Learning Connection, a data technician will contact the SBCSC Department of Research and Evaluation and the IDOE. 5. The secretary of student management will forward any requests for records to the data technician to file with the student's withdrawal paperwork. (We must have a request for records for every student withdrawing from SBCSC.) 6. The data technician will follow up regarding any student with whom we did not receive a request for records for within one week of the withdrawal. The data technician will contact the receiving school and parent to locate the records request. 7. The data technician will continue to locate a request for records weekly until the request is received by SBCSC. 8. Documentation will be maintained of all efforts made to collected the information. Anticipated Completion Date: Spring 2022
2019-005
FINDING 2020-007 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants CFDA Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 18611-053-PN01, 19611-053-PN01, 20611-51-PN01, 18619-053-PN01, 19619-053-PN01, 20619-51-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit regarding Allowable Costs/Cost Principles. The prior audit finding number was 2019-009. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that program costs were supported by proper documentation, were allowable, and only for the operation of special education activities. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from special education funds. The School Corporation did not retain time records for 11 of 68 payroll transactions tested totaling $7,118; therefore, we were unable to determine compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. The $7,118 are considered questioned costs. The lack of internal controls, noncompliance, and failure to retain supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.333 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.430(i) states in part: ". . . Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non- Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance, or that supporting documentation was maintained and available for audit, related to the compliance requirements listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system and to maintain supporting documentation for payroll costs prevented the determination of the School Corporations compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Questioned Costs Known questioned costs of $7,118 were identified, as detailed in the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure documentation be maintained and made available for audit related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2020-007 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants CFDA Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 18611-053-PN01, 19611-053-PN01, 20611-51-PN01, 18619-053-PN01, 19619-053-PN01, 20619-51-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit regarding Allowable Costs/Cost Principles. The prior audit finding number was 2019-009. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that program costs were supported by proper documentation, were allowable, and only for the operation of special education activities. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from special education funds. The School Corporation did not retain time records for 11 of 68 payroll transactions tested totaling $7,118; therefore, we were unable to determine compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. The $7,118 are considered questioned costs. The lack of internal controls, noncompliance, and failure to retain supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.333 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.430(i) states in part: ". . . Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non- Federal entity, not exceeding 100% of compensated activities . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance, or that supporting documentation was maintained and available for audit, related to the compliance requirements listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system and to maintain supporting documentation for payroll costs prevented the determination of the School Corporations compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Questioned Costs Known questioned costs of $7,118 were identified, as detailed in the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure documentation be maintained and made available for audit related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN FINDING 2020-007 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Kathy Carr Contact Phone Number:574-393-6119 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: New internal control processes to ensure that programs? cost was supported by proper documentation, were allowable and only for the operation of the special education program were implemented in March of 2020. Detailed Payroll Distributions reports are being provided to knowledgeable employees for review to ensure that the proper employees were paid from the Special Education Funds. All payroll records will be retained in each building for the purposes of verifying funds paid to staff. A memo will be sent at the beginning of each school year to remind the principal and the secretary responsible for entering payroll that the pay sheets from each employee must be readily available for verification purposes and be retained in the building. (See attachment) Every quarter schools will randomly be requested to submit payroll records which will be retained by the Special Ed Dept. Anticipated Completion Date: Beginning in January 1, 2022 - Ongoing, quarterly and annual verification of payroll records and sending of memo to all principals and secretaries.
2019-009
FAC accepted this audit on January 13, 2022 — management decision was due July 13, 2022.
FINDING 2019-003 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies CFDA Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A160014 17-7205, S010A170014 18-7205, S010A180014 19-7205, S010A160014 FY 2017, S010A170014 FY 2017, S010A170014 FY 2018, S010A180014 FY 2019 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking; Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit related to Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Reporting. The prior audit finding number was 2017-008. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking; and Reporting compliance requirements. Allowable Costs/Cost Principles The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that payroll disbursements were for allowable costs. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from Title I funds. Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures over payroll disbursements related to earmarking requirements. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from earmarked Title I funds. Reporting The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure reports were properly and accurately submitted. The Reimbursement requests and Final Expenditure Reports were prepared by one employee without proper oversight or review. The lack of controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements listed above. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could also have allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the program. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking; and Reporting compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2019-003 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies CFDA Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A160014 17-7205, S010A170014 18-7205, S010A180014 19-7205, S010A160014 FY 2017, S010A170014 FY 2017, S010A170014 FY 2018, S010A180014 FY 2019 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking; Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit related to Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Reporting. The prior audit finding number was 2017-008. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking; and Reporting compliance requirements. Allowable Costs/Cost Principles The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that payroll disbursements were for allowable costs. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from Title I funds. Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures over payroll disbursements related to earmarking requirements. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from earmarked Title I funds. Reporting The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure reports were properly and accurately submitted. The Reimbursement requests and Final Expenditure Reports were prepared by one employee without proper oversight or review. The lack of controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements listed above. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could also have allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the program. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles; Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking; and Reporting compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2019-003 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Brandon White Contact Phone Number: 574-393-6055 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the findings Description of Corrective Action Plan: The Financial Department will attach detailed payroll reports to the reimbursement requests for Title 1 to be reviewed on a monthly basis. Title 1 director will review and approve all reimbursement requests and the final expenditure report. Anticipated Completion Date: This process will start on March 1, 2020
2017-008
FINDING 2019-004 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies CFDA Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A160014 17-7205, S010A170014 18-7205, S010A180014 19-7205, S010A160014 FY 2017, S010A170014 FY 2017, S010A170014 FY 2018, S010A180014 FY 2019 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2017-011. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that information submitted to Indiana Department of Education for enrollment and poverty were supported by the School Corporation's records. As part of the grant application the School Corporation must manually input non-public school enrollment and poverty student counts. The School Corporation did not maintain documentation to support the numbers reported for non-public students. The lack of controls and the failure to maintain adequate supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 200.78(a)(1) states: "An LEA must allocate funds under subpart A of this part to school attendance areas and schools, identified as eligible and selected to participate under section 1113(a) or (b) of the ESEA, in rank order on the basis of the total number of children from low-income families in each area or school." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure that adequate supporting documentation for non-public school students were maintained related to the Eligibility compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system and failure to maintain and provide supporting documentation for non-public student enrollment and poverty counts prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the Eligibility compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish controls to ensure that adequate supporting documentation will be maintained related to compliance with the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2019-004 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies CFDA Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A160014 17-7205, S010A170014 18-7205, S010A180014 19-7205, S010A160014 FY 2017, S010A170014 FY 2017, S010A170014 FY 2018, S010A180014 FY 2019 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2017-011. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that information submitted to Indiana Department of Education for enrollment and poverty were supported by the School Corporation's records. As part of the grant application the School Corporation must manually input non-public school enrollment and poverty student counts. The School Corporation did not maintain documentation to support the numbers reported for non-public students. The lack of controls and the failure to maintain adequate supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 200.78(a)(1) states: "An LEA must allocate funds under subpart A of this part to school attendance areas and schools, identified as eligible and selected to participate under section 1113(a) or (b) of the ESEA, in rank order on the basis of the total number of children from low-income families in each area or school." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure that adequate supporting documentation for non-public school students were maintained related to the Eligibility compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system and failure to maintain and provide supporting documentation for non-public student enrollment and poverty counts prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the Eligibility compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish controls to ensure that adequate supporting documentation will be maintained related to compliance with the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2019-004 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Brandon White Contact Phone Number: 574-393-6055 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the findings Description of Corrective Action Plan: The Title 1 department will retain the supporting documentation for non-public schools? student enrollments and poverty counts. Anticipated Completion Date: May, 2020
2017-011
FINDING 2019-005 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies CFDA Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A160014 17-7205, S010A170014 18-7205, S010A180014 19-7205, S010A160014 FY 2017, S010A170014 FY 2017, S010A170014 FY 2018, S010A180014 FY 2019 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2017-010. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have effective controls to ensure that documentation regarding the reason for a student being removed from the high school graduation cohort for mobility reasons was prepared, reviewed, and retained. The School Corporation failed to comply with the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement, which necessitated that for students removed from the high school graduation cohort for mobility reasons there was proper written documentation to support the identified mobility code. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Of the 40 students tested, 4 had documentation that did not agree with the mobility reason for removal and 3 had no supporting documentation to substantiate their removal from the cohort for mobility reasons. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 200.19(b) states in part: "High schools ? (1) Graduation rate. Consistent with paragraphs (b)(4) and (b)(5) of this section regarding reporting and determining AYP, respectively, each State must calculate a graduation rate, defined as follows, for all public high schools in the State: (i)(A) A State must calculate a 'four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate,' defined as the number of students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma divided by the number of students who form the adjusted cohort for that graduating class. . . . (ii) The term 'adjusted cohort' means the students who enter grade 9 (or the earliest high school grade) and any students who transfer into the cohort in grades 9 through 12 minus any students removed from the cohort. (A) The term 'students who transfer into the cohort' means the students who enroll after the beginning of the entering cohort's first year in high school, up to and including in grade 12. (B) To remove a student from the cohort, a school or LEA must confirm in writing that the student transferred out, emigrated to another country, or is deceased. (1) To confirm that a student transferred out, the school or LEA must have official written documentation that the student enrolled in another school or in an educational program that culminates in the award of a regular high school diploma. . . . (2) Transitional graduation rate. (i) Prior to the deadline in paragraph (b)(4)(ii)(A) of this section, a State must calculate graduation rate as defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this section or use, on a transitional basis? INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (A) A graduation rate that measures the percentage of students from the beginning of high school who graduate with a regular high school diploma in the standard number or years; or . . . (ii) For a transitional graduation rate calculated under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section? (A) 'Regular high school diploma' has the same meaning as in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section; (B) 'Standard number of years' means four years unless a high school begins after ninth grade, in which case the standard number of years is the number of grades in the school; and (C) A dropout may not be counted as a transfer. . . ." Cause The School Corporation had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. Noncompliance with the grant agreement or the compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2019-005 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies CFDA Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A160014 17-7205, S010A170014 18-7205, S010A180014 19-7205, S010A160014 FY 2017, S010A170014 FY 2017, S010A170014 FY 2018, S010A180014 FY 2019 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2017-010. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have effective controls to ensure that documentation regarding the reason for a student being removed from the high school graduation cohort for mobility reasons was prepared, reviewed, and retained. The School Corporation failed to comply with the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement, which necessitated that for students removed from the high school graduation cohort for mobility reasons there was proper written documentation to support the identified mobility code. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Of the 40 students tested, 4 had documentation that did not agree with the mobility reason for removal and 3 had no supporting documentation to substantiate their removal from the cohort for mobility reasons. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 34 CFR 200.19(b) states in part: "High schools ? (1) Graduation rate. Consistent with paragraphs (b)(4) and (b)(5) of this section regarding reporting and determining AYP, respectively, each State must calculate a graduation rate, defined as follows, for all public high schools in the State: (i)(A) A State must calculate a 'four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate,' defined as the number of students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma divided by the number of students who form the adjusted cohort for that graduating class. . . . (ii) The term 'adjusted cohort' means the students who enter grade 9 (or the earliest high school grade) and any students who transfer into the cohort in grades 9 through 12 minus any students removed from the cohort. (A) The term 'students who transfer into the cohort' means the students who enroll after the beginning of the entering cohort's first year in high school, up to and including in grade 12. (B) To remove a student from the cohort, a school or LEA must confirm in writing that the student transferred out, emigrated to another country, or is deceased. (1) To confirm that a student transferred out, the school or LEA must have official written documentation that the student enrolled in another school or in an educational program that culminates in the award of a regular high school diploma. . . . (2) Transitional graduation rate. (i) Prior to the deadline in paragraph (b)(4)(ii)(A) of this section, a State must calculate graduation rate as defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this section or use, on a transitional basis? INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (A) A graduation rate that measures the percentage of students from the beginning of high school who graduate with a regular high school diploma in the standard number or years; or . . . (ii) For a transitional graduation rate calculated under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section? (A) 'Regular high school diploma' has the same meaning as in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section; (B) 'Standard number of years' means four years unless a high school begins after ninth grade, in which case the standard number of years is the number of grades in the school; and (C) A dropout may not be counted as a transfer. . . ." Cause The School Corporation had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. Noncompliance with the grant agreement or the compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish controls to ensure compliance and comply with the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2019-005 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Brandon White Contact Phone Number: 574-393-6055 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the findings Description of Corrective Action Plan: Procedure for Withdrawing Students from all SBCSC High Schools Anytime a parent requests that a student withdraw from a high school, the following steps must be followed. If a parent is not requesting a transfer, the principal will complete an exit interview. All transfers will follow this procedure. (Please also see the procedure for processing no shows.) 1. Only the principal is allowed to sign the withdrawal form. If the principal is not available, an assistant principal may sign the withdrawal form and immediately email it to the principal. 2. Prior to signing the withdrawal form, the principal will speak with the parents and student to gather any information that may help the school understand why a withdrawal is necessary. Once this conversation has happened, the principal will advise the parent and student. 3. If it is determined that the student will transfer, the signed withdrawal form will be filed in a binder based on class cohort. For example, all students scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2017 will be filed with the 2017 cohort. The principal must determine the name and contact information for the receiving school. 4. It is the responsibility of the data technician to manage these cohorts by checking Learning Connection weekly. If discrepancies are visible in Learning Connection, a data technician will contact the SBCSC Department of Research and Evaluation and the !DOE. 5. The secretary of student management will forward any requests for records to the data technician to file with the student's withdrawal paperwork. (We must have a request for records for every student withdrawing from SBCSC.) 6. The data technician will follow up regarding any student with whom we did not receive a request for records for within one week of the withdrawal. The data technician will contact the receiving school and parent to locate the records request. 7. The data technician will continue to locate a request for records weekly until the request is received by SBCSC. 8. Documentation will be maintained of all efforts made to collected the information. Anticipated Completion Date: This process will start in August, 2020.
2017-010
FINDING 2019-006 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster- Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children CFDA Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 17/18, FY 18/19 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Cash Management, Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit related to Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Cash Management. The prior audit finding numbers were 2017-002 and 2017-003. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Cash Management, and Special Tests and Provisions- School Food Accounts compliance requirements. Allowable Costs/Cost Principles The School Corporation did not maintain adequate records regarding payroll. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but they did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from the School Lunch fund. Cash Management (School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program only) The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that the School Lunch fund cash balance (net cash resources) did not exceed three months average expenditures. Special Tests/Provisions - School Food Accounts The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that transfers from the School Lunch fund were for the benefit of the food service program. The lack of controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements listed above. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could also have allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements listed above and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Cash Management, and Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2019-006 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster- Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children CFDA Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 17/18, FY 18/19 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Cash Management, Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit related to Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Cash Management. The prior audit finding numbers were 2017-002 and 2017-003. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Cash Management, and Special Tests and Provisions- School Food Accounts compliance requirements. Allowable Costs/Cost Principles The School Corporation did not maintain adequate records regarding payroll. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but they did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from the School Lunch fund. Cash Management (School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program only) The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that the School Lunch fund cash balance (net cash resources) did not exceed three months average expenditures. Special Tests/Provisions - School Food Accounts The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that transfers from the School Lunch fund were for the benefit of the food service program. The lack of controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements listed above. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could also have allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements listed above and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Cash Management, and Special Tests and Provisions - School Food Accounts compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2019-006 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Tanara Winters Contact Phone Number: 574-393-6060 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the findings Description of Corrective Action Plan: The Financial Department will work with the Food and Nutrition Department to develop an effective system of internal controls. This will include providing detailed payroll reports for their review on a quarterly basis, developing a maximum cash balance each year that the fund is not allowed to exceed and a review system for any transfers out of the School Lunch fund Anticipated Completion Date: This will be an on-going monthly procedure.
2017-002
FINDING 2019-007 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children CFDA Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 17/18, FY 18/19 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2017-004. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement The School Corporation did not comply with the procurement requirements for simplified acquisition procurements during fiscal year 2017-2018. The School Corporation purchased goods without the appropriate procurement procedures in place. The School Corporation did not solicit bids for purchases that exceeded $150,000 for simplified acquisitions that were initiated by the School Corporation. Suspension and Debarment The School Corporation did not ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in federal assistance programs prior to entering into contracts that exceeded $25,000. The lack of controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance over suspension and debarment was a systemic issue throughout the audit period; the noncompliance over procurement was limited to 2018-2019. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (c) Procurement by sealed bids (formal advertising). Bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bid method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions in paragraph (c)(1) of this section apply. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to remain undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2019-007 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children CFDA Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 17/18, FY 18/19 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2017-004. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement The School Corporation did not comply with the procurement requirements for simplified acquisition procurements during fiscal year 2017-2018. The School Corporation purchased goods without the appropriate procurement procedures in place. The School Corporation did not solicit bids for purchases that exceeded $150,000 for simplified acquisitions that were initiated by the School Corporation. Suspension and Debarment The School Corporation did not ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in federal assistance programs prior to entering into contracts that exceeded $25,000. The lack of controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. The noncompliance over suspension and debarment was a systemic issue throughout the audit period; the noncompliance over procurement was limited to 2018-2019. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. . . . (c) Procurement by sealed bids (formal advertising). Bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bid method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions in paragraph (c)(1) of this section apply. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to remain undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2019-007 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Tanara Winters/Christy Heim Contact Phone Number: 574-393-6060/574-393-6093 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the findings Description of Corrective Action Plan: 1. The Purchasing Agent will oversee all purchases made from the Food and Nutrition Department to ensure that bids are taken for all purchases exceeding $150,000. 2. All contracts will include documentation that the vendor has not been suspended or disbarred. Anticipated Completion Date: This will be an on-going monthly procedure
2017-004
FINDING 2019-008 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Program Income Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children CFDA Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 17/18, FY 18/19 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Program Income Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number is 2017-006. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Program Income compliance requirement. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that the food service program sales were properly receipted into the School Lunch fund. The School Corporation did not comply with program income requirements. They receipted all cash receipts, including prepayments, into the School Lunch fund and all credit card payments to the Prepaid Meals fund. The actual amount of program income generated from the food service program was not transferred or recorded properly. The lack of controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 7 CFR 220.7(e) states in part: "Each school food authority approved to participate in the program shall enter into a written agreement with the State agency or the Department through the FNSRO, as applicable that may be amended as necessary. . . . Such agreements shall provide that the School Food Authority shall, with respect to participating schools under its jurisdiction: . . . (12) Maintain a financial management system as prescribed by the State agency, or FNSRO where applicable; . . ." 7 CFR 210.14(c) states: "Financial assurances. The school food authority shall meet the requirements of the State agency for compliance with ? 210.19(a) including any separation of records of nonprofit school food service from records of any other food service which may be operated by the school food authority as provided in paragraph (a) of this section." 7 CFR 210.14(f)(3) states: "All revenue from the sale of nonprogram foods shall accrue to the nonprofit school food service account of a participating school food authority." 7 CFR 220.13(i) states in part: "Each State agency, or FNS where applicable, shall establish a financial management system under which School Food Authorities shall account for all revenues and expenditures of their nonprofit school food service. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Program Income compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to remain undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Program Income compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Program Income compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2019-008 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Program Income Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children CFDA Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 17/18, FY 18/19 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Program Income Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number is 2017-006. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Program Income compliance requirement. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that the food service program sales were properly receipted into the School Lunch fund. The School Corporation did not comply with program income requirements. They receipted all cash receipts, including prepayments, into the School Lunch fund and all credit card payments to the Prepaid Meals fund. The actual amount of program income generated from the food service program was not transferred or recorded properly. The lack of controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 7 CFR 220.7(e) states in part: "Each school food authority approved to participate in the program shall enter into a written agreement with the State agency or the Department through the FNSRO, as applicable that may be amended as necessary. . . . Such agreements shall provide that the School Food Authority shall, with respect to participating schools under its jurisdiction: . . . (12) Maintain a financial management system as prescribed by the State agency, or FNSRO where applicable; . . ." 7 CFR 210.14(c) states: "Financial assurances. The school food authority shall meet the requirements of the State agency for compliance with ? 210.19(a) including any separation of records of nonprofit school food service from records of any other food service which may be operated by the school food authority as provided in paragraph (a) of this section." 7 CFR 210.14(f)(3) states: "All revenue from the sale of nonprogram foods shall accrue to the nonprofit school food service account of a participating school food authority." 7 CFR 220.13(i) states in part: "Each State agency, or FNS where applicable, shall establish a financial management system under which School Food Authorities shall account for all revenues and expenditures of their nonprofit school food service. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Program Income compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to remain undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Program Income compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Program Income compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2019-008 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Tanara Winters Contact Phone Number: 574-393-6060 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the findings Description of Corrective Action Plan: The Financial Services Department will work with the Food and Nutrition Department to either ensure that their current computer program is working for Prepaid Meals or choose a new computer system to implement. Anticipated Completion Date: This will be an on-going monthly procedure
2017-006
FINDING 2019-009 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants CFDA Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 14216-053-PN01, 14217-053-PN01, 18611-053-PN01, 19611-053-PN01, 45716-053-PN01, 45717-055-PN01, 18619-053-PN01, 19619-053-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2017-007 Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that payroll disbursements were allowable costs. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from Special Education funds. Context The lack of controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could also have allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2019-009 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants CFDA Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 14216-053-PN01, 14217-053-PN01, 18611-053-PN01, 19611-053-PN01, 45716-053-PN01, 45717-055-PN01, 18619-053-PN01, 19619-053-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2017-007 Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation had not designed or implemented adequate policies and procedures to ensure that payroll disbursements were allowable costs. Reports, including summary level payroll data, were provided to a knowledgeable employee for review, but the reports did not provide sufficient detail to effectively review and verify that the proper employees were paid from Special Education funds. Context The lack of controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could also have allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2019-009 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Matt Johns Contact Phone Number: 574-393-6055 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the findings Description of Corrective Action Plan: The Financial Department will attach detailed payroll reports to the reimbursement requests for the Special Education director to be reviewed on a monthly basis. The Special Education director will review and approve all reimbursement requests and the final report. Anticipated Completion Date: This process will start on March 1, 2020
2017-007
FAC accepted this audit on July 1, 2018 — management decision was due January 1, 2019.
GSA_MIGRATION
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴GSA_MIGRATION
GSA_MIGRATION
GSA_MIGRATION
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴GSA_MIGRATION
GSA_MIGRATION
2015-002
GSA_MIGRATION
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴GSA_MIGRATION
GSA_MIGRATION
GSA_MIGRATION
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴GSA_MIGRATION
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴GSA_MIGRATION
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴GSA_MIGRATION
GSA_MIGRATION
2015-006
GSA_MIGRATION
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴GSA_MIGRATION
GSA_MIGRATION
GSA_MIGRATION
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴GSA_MIGRATION
GSA_MIGRATION
GSA_MIGRATION
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴GSA_MIGRATION
GSA_MIGRATION
GSA_MIGRATION
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴GSA_MIGRATION
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴Data source: This information comes from the Federal Audit Clearinghouse, the official repository of Single Audit data. All data is public domain. Verify this organization's audit history at fac.gov.
Browse other Single Audit organizations in Indiana →
Track your findings and corrective action plans across audit cycles.
Start tracking findings →Add it to a monitored group and get alerted when a new audit, finding, repeat finding, or management-decision deadline shows up — instead of checking back.
Checking several at once? Portfolio view →
© 2026 Single Audit Intelligence. All data is public domain.