EIN: 351085428
UEI: PDQSLCELPKC5
Audited by: Indiana State Board of Accounts
Oversight agency: 84 [Department of Education]
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Data as of August 28, 2026
Management decision deadline — for entities that funded this organization
The FAC accepted this audit on March 27, 2025. 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 27, 2025 (338 days ago).
What is a management decision? →FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly 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 related to a child receiving free or reduced-price meals. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable program. In the case of the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, children belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at reduced price. Children who have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals pay the full price, set by the School Food Authority, for their meals. Children attending SFSP meal service sites receive their meals at no charge. As a general rule, a child's eligibility for free or reduced-price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family income and family size. Local educational agencies, institutions, and sponsors then determine eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Additionally, a child may be direct certified. For a Direct Certification, annual eligibility determinations are based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program (ALN 93.600), or, under most circumstances, the TANF program (ALN 93.558). A household may furnish documentation of its participation in one of these programs; or the school, institution, or sponsor may obtain the information directly from the state or local agency that administers these programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless, and migrant children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct certified households do not need to complete an application. Direct Certifications The Food Service Director (Director) downloaded the Direct Certification report from the State of Indiana database monthly and uploaded it to the school lunch point-of-sale (POS) system. However, there was no documentation that a review process took place to ensure the uploads had imported correctly and students' status was updated accordingly. Applications Eligibility for applications submitted for free and reduced lunch were determined by a Kitchen Manager or the Director manually and by the POS system based on the published income eligibility guidelines. For applications that were determined by a Kitchen Manager, the Director reviewed and redetermined eligibility. However, this review process was not consistently documented. The Director downloaded the new income eligibility guidelines that were updated in the POS system by the software vendor. The Director reviewed the accuracy of the income eligibility guidelines and then saved them to the POS system. Documentation that the review process was implemented properly could not be provided. 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). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The system of internal controls over the monthly Direct Certification uploads, the review of the income eligibility guidelines saved in the POS system, and the manual determinations were not properly implemented. The Director did not maintain documentation that the review process had occurred. 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. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management implement a proper system of internal controls that would ensure that the appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are documented. 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 2024-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly 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 related to a child receiving free or reduced-price meals. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable program. In the case of the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, children belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at reduced price. Children who have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals pay the full price, set by the School Food Authority, for their meals. Children attending SFSP meal service sites receive their meals at no charge. As a general rule, a child's eligibility for free or reduced-price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family income and family size. Local educational agencies, institutions, and sponsors then determine eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Additionally, a child may be direct certified. For a Direct Certification, annual eligibility determinations are based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program (ALN 93.600), or, under most circumstances, the TANF program (ALN 93.558). A household may furnish documentation of its participation in one of these programs; or the school, institution, or sponsor may obtain the information directly from the state or local agency that administers these programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless, and migrant children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct certified households do not need to complete an application. Direct Certifications The Food Service Director (Director) downloaded the Direct Certification report from the State of Indiana database monthly and uploaded it to the school lunch point-of-sale (POS) system. However, there was no documentation that a review process took place to ensure the uploads had imported correctly and students' status was updated accordingly. Applications Eligibility for applications submitted for free and reduced lunch were determined by a Kitchen Manager or the Director manually and by the POS system based on the published income eligibility guidelines. For applications that were determined by a Kitchen Manager, the Director reviewed and redetermined eligibility. However, this review process was not consistently documented. The Director downloaded the new income eligibility guidelines that were updated in the POS system by the software vendor. The Director reviewed the accuracy of the income eligibility guidelines and then saved them to the POS system. Documentation that the review process was implemented properly could not be provided. 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). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The system of internal controls over the monthly Direct Certification uploads, the review of the income eligibility guidelines saved in the POS system, and the manual determinations were not properly implemented. The Director did not maintain documentation that the review process had occurred. 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. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management implement a proper system of internal controls that would ensure that the appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are documented. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster- Eligibility Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Julie Remschneider Contact Phone Number and Email Address: julie.r@nn.k12.in.us, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The business official or superintendent will review and sign off and date the eligibility reports. Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly 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 related to a child receiving free or reduced-price meals. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable program. In the case of the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, children belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at reduced price. Children who have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals pay the full price, set by the School Food Authority, for their meals. Children attending SFSP meal service sites receive their meals at no charge. As a general rule, a child's eligibility for free or reduced-price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family income and family size. Local educational agencies, institutions, and sponsors then determine eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Additionally, a child may be direct certified. For a Direct Certification, annual eligibility determinations are based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program (ALN 93.600), or, under most circumstances, the TANF program (ALN 93.558). A household may furnish documentation of its participation in one of these programs; or the school, institution, or sponsor may obtain the information directly from the state or local agency that administers these programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless, and migrant children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct certified households do not need to complete an application. Direct Certifications The Food Service Director (Director) downloaded the Direct Certification report from the State of Indiana database monthly and uploaded it to the school lunch point-of-sale (POS) system. However, there was no documentation that a review process took place to ensure the uploads had imported correctly and students' status was updated accordingly. Applications Eligibility for applications submitted for free and reduced lunch were determined by a Kitchen Manager or the Director manually and by the POS system based on the published income eligibility guidelines. For applications that were determined by a Kitchen Manager, the Director reviewed and redetermined eligibility. However, this review process was not consistently documented. The Director downloaded the new income eligibility guidelines that were updated in the POS system by the software vendor. The Director reviewed the accuracy of the income eligibility guidelines and then saved them to the POS system. Documentation that the review process was implemented properly could not be provided. 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). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The system of internal controls over the monthly Direct Certification uploads, the review of the income eligibility guidelines saved in the POS system, and the manual determinations were not properly implemented. The Director did not maintain documentation that the review process had occurred. 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. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management implement a proper system of internal controls that would ensure that the appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are documented. 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 2024-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly 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 related to a child receiving free or reduced-price meals. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable program. In the case of the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, children belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at reduced price. Children who have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals pay the full price, set by the School Food Authority, for their meals. Children attending SFSP meal service sites receive their meals at no charge. As a general rule, a child's eligibility for free or reduced-price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family income and family size. Local educational agencies, institutions, and sponsors then determine eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Additionally, a child may be direct certified. For a Direct Certification, annual eligibility determinations are based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program (ALN 93.600), or, under most circumstances, the TANF program (ALN 93.558). A household may furnish documentation of its participation in one of these programs; or the school, institution, or sponsor may obtain the information directly from the state or local agency that administers these programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless, and migrant children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct certified households do not need to complete an application. Direct Certifications The Food Service Director (Director) downloaded the Direct Certification report from the State of Indiana database monthly and uploaded it to the school lunch point-of-sale (POS) system. However, there was no documentation that a review process took place to ensure the uploads had imported correctly and students' status was updated accordingly. Applications Eligibility for applications submitted for free and reduced lunch were determined by a Kitchen Manager or the Director manually and by the POS system based on the published income eligibility guidelines. For applications that were determined by a Kitchen Manager, the Director reviewed and redetermined eligibility. However, this review process was not consistently documented. The Director downloaded the new income eligibility guidelines that were updated in the POS system by the software vendor. The Director reviewed the accuracy of the income eligibility guidelines and then saved them to the POS system. Documentation that the review process was implemented properly could not be provided. 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). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The system of internal controls over the monthly Direct Certification uploads, the review of the income eligibility guidelines saved in the POS system, and the manual determinations were not properly implemented. The Director did not maintain documentation that the review process had occurred. 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. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management implement a proper system of internal controls that would ensure that the appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are documented. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster- Eligibility Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Julie Remschneider Contact Phone Number and Email Address: julie.r@nn.k12.in.us, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The business official or superintendent will review and sign off and date the eligibility reports. Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) A population of two covered transactions for purchases that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from the School Lunch fund were identified. The transactions totaling $76,138 were tested; however, the School Corporation did not verify the suspension and debarment status prior to entering into the contracts. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance 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 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. 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 process was to check for SAM Exclusions, collect a certification from the vendor, or add a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the vendor. However, the SAM exclusion check process was not properly implemented for the vendors tested nor was a certification collected, or a clause or condition added to the covered transaction. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management evaluate the procedures established to ensure processes are functioning as intended to prevent, or detect and correct, material noncompliance. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 NORTH NEWTON 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.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) A population of two covered transactions for purchases that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from the School Lunch fund were identified. The transactions totaling $76,138 were tested; however, the School Corporation did not verify the suspension and debarment status prior to entering into the contracts. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance 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 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. 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 process was to check for SAM Exclusions, collect a certification from the vendor, or add a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the vendor. However, the SAM exclusion check process was not properly implemented for the vendors tested nor was a certification collected, or a clause or condition added to the covered transaction. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management evaluate the procedures established to ensure processes are functioning as intended to prevent, or detect and correct, material noncompliance. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 NORTH NEWTON 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.
FINDING 2024-004 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster- Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Julie Remschneider Contact Phone Number and Email Address: julie.r@nn.k12.in.us, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The business official or superintendent will review and sign off and date the procurement and suspension and debarment documents. We will follow the internal control procedures beginning on p. 41 of the internal controls manual. Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) A population of two covered transactions for purchases that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from the School Lunch fund were identified. The transactions totaling $76,138 were tested; however, the School Corporation did not verify the suspension and debarment status prior to entering into the contracts. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance 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 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. 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 process was to check for SAM Exclusions, collect a certification from the vendor, or add a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the vendor. However, the SAM exclusion check process was not properly implemented for the vendors tested nor was a certification collected, or a clause or condition added to the covered transaction. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management evaluate the procedures established to ensure processes are functioning as intended to prevent, or detect and correct, material noncompliance. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 NORTH NEWTON 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.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) A population of two covered transactions for purchases that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from the School Lunch fund were identified. The transactions totaling $76,138 were tested; however, the School Corporation did not verify the suspension and debarment status prior to entering into the contracts. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance 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 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. 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 process was to check for SAM Exclusions, collect a certification from the vendor, or add a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the vendor. However, the SAM exclusion check process was not properly implemented for the vendors tested nor was a certification collected, or a clause or condition added to the covered transaction. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management evaluate the procedures established to ensure processes are functioning as intended to prevent, or detect and correct, material noncompliance. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 NORTH NEWTON 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.
FINDING 2024-004 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster- Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Julie Remschneider Contact Phone Number and Email Address: julie.r@nn.k12.in.us, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The business official or superintendent will review and sign off and date the procurement and suspension and debarment documents. We will follow the internal control procedures beginning on p. 41 of the internal controls manual. Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During the audit period, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of five transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. 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 22 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.403(h) states: "Cost must be incurred during the approved budget period. The Federal awarding agency is authorized, at its discretion, to waive prior written approvals to carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent budget periods pursuant to § 200.308(e)(3)." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for- . . . (d) Performance of work other than personal services. . . . The obligation is made- On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 36 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrant funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding that was reimbursed, which incurred outside of the period of performance, will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. 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 that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance 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 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During the audit period, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of five transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. 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 22 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.403(h) states: "Cost must be incurred during the approved budget period. The Federal awarding agency is authorized, at its discretion, to waive prior written approvals to carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent budget periods pursuant to § 200.308(e)(3)." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for- . . . (d) Performance of work other than personal services. . . . The obligation is made- On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 36 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrant funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding that was reimbursed, which incurred outside of the period of performance, will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. 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 that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance 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 2024-005 (Auditor Assigned Reference Number) Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA)- Period of Performance Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Julie Remschneider Contact Phone Number and Email Address: julie.r@nn.k12.in.us, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: We will ensure the Special Education Co-op will have controls in place to make sure payments are made within the period of performance. Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During the audit period, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of five transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. 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 22 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.403(h) states: "Cost must be incurred during the approved budget period. The Federal awarding agency is authorized, at its discretion, to waive prior written approvals to carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent budget periods pursuant to § 200.308(e)(3)." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for- . . . (d) Performance of work other than personal services. . . . The obligation is made- On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 36 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrant funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding that was reimbursed, which incurred outside of the period of performance, will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. 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 that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance 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 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During the audit period, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of five transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. 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 22 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.403(h) states: "Cost must be incurred during the approved budget period. The Federal awarding agency is authorized, at its discretion, to waive prior written approvals to carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent budget periods pursuant to § 200.308(e)(3)." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for- . . . (d) Performance of work other than personal services. . . . The obligation is made- On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 36 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrant funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding that was reimbursed, which incurred outside of the period of performance, will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. 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 that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance 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 2024-005 (Auditor Assigned Reference Number) Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA)- Period of Performance Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Julie Remschneider Contact Phone Number and Email Address: julie.r@nn.k12.in.us, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: We will ensure the Special Education Co-op will have controls in place to make sure payments are made within the period of performance. Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025
FAC accepted this audit on March 31, 2025 — management decision was due October 1, 2025.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly 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 related to a child receiving free or reduced-price meals. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable program. In the case of the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, children belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at reduced price. Children who have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals pay the full price, set by the School Food Authority, for their meals. Children attending SFSP meal service sites receive their meals at no charge. As a general rule, a child's eligibility for free or reduced-price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family income and family size. Local educational agencies, institutions, and sponsors then determine eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Additionally, a child may be direct certified. For a Direct Certification, annual eligibility determinations are based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program (ALN 93.600), or, under most circumstances, the TANF program (ALN 93.558). A household may furnish documentation of its participation in one of these programs; or the school, institution, or sponsor may obtain the information directly from the state or local agency that administers these programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless, and migrant children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct certified households do not need to complete an application. Direct Certifications The Food Service Director (Director) downloaded the Direct Certification report from the State of Indiana database monthly and uploaded it to the school lunch point-of-sale (POS) system. However, there was no documentation that a review process took place to ensure the uploads had imported correctly and students' status was updated accordingly. Applications Eligibility for applications submitted for free and reduced lunch were determined by a Kitchen Manager or the Director manually and by the POS system based on the published income eligibility guidelines. For applications that were determined by a Kitchen Manager, the Director reviewed and redetermined eligibility. However, this review process was not consistently documented. The Director downloaded the new income eligibility guidelines that were updated in the POS system by the software vendor. The Director reviewed the accuracy of the income eligibility guidelines and then saved them to the POS system. Documentation that the review process was implemented properly could not be provided. 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). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The system of internal controls over the monthly Direct Certification uploads, the review of the income eligibility guidelines saved in the POS system, and the manual determinations were not properly implemented. The Director did not maintain documentation that the review process had occurred. 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. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management implement a proper system of internal controls that would ensure that the appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are documented. 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 2024-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly 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 related to a child receiving free or reduced-price meals. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable program. In the case of the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, children belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at reduced price. Children who have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals pay the full price, set by the School Food Authority, for their meals. Children attending SFSP meal service sites receive their meals at no charge. As a general rule, a child's eligibility for free or reduced-price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family income and family size. Local educational agencies, institutions, and sponsors then determine eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Additionally, a child may be direct certified. For a Direct Certification, annual eligibility determinations are based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program (ALN 93.600), or, under most circumstances, the TANF program (ALN 93.558). A household may furnish documentation of its participation in one of these programs; or the school, institution, or sponsor may obtain the information directly from the state or local agency that administers these programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless, and migrant children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct certified households do not need to complete an application. Direct Certifications The Food Service Director (Director) downloaded the Direct Certification report from the State of Indiana database monthly and uploaded it to the school lunch point-of-sale (POS) system. However, there was no documentation that a review process took place to ensure the uploads had imported correctly and students' status was updated accordingly. Applications Eligibility for applications submitted for free and reduced lunch were determined by a Kitchen Manager or the Director manually and by the POS system based on the published income eligibility guidelines. For applications that were determined by a Kitchen Manager, the Director reviewed and redetermined eligibility. However, this review process was not consistently documented. The Director downloaded the new income eligibility guidelines that were updated in the POS system by the software vendor. The Director reviewed the accuracy of the income eligibility guidelines and then saved them to the POS system. Documentation that the review process was implemented properly could not be provided. 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). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The system of internal controls over the monthly Direct Certification uploads, the review of the income eligibility guidelines saved in the POS system, and the manual determinations were not properly implemented. The Director did not maintain documentation that the review process had occurred. 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. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management implement a proper system of internal controls that would ensure that the appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are documented. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster- Eligibility Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Julie Remschneider Contact Phone Number and Email Address: julie.r@nn.k12.in.us, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The business official or superintendent will review and sign off and date the eligibility reports. Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly 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 related to a child receiving free or reduced-price meals. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable program. In the case of the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, children belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at reduced price. Children who have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals pay the full price, set by the School Food Authority, for their meals. Children attending SFSP meal service sites receive their meals at no charge. As a general rule, a child's eligibility for free or reduced-price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family income and family size. Local educational agencies, institutions, and sponsors then determine eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Additionally, a child may be direct certified. For a Direct Certification, annual eligibility determinations are based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program (ALN 93.600), or, under most circumstances, the TANF program (ALN 93.558). A household may furnish documentation of its participation in one of these programs; or the school, institution, or sponsor may obtain the information directly from the state or local agency that administers these programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless, and migrant children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct certified households do not need to complete an application. Direct Certifications The Food Service Director (Director) downloaded the Direct Certification report from the State of Indiana database monthly and uploaded it to the school lunch point-of-sale (POS) system. However, there was no documentation that a review process took place to ensure the uploads had imported correctly and students' status was updated accordingly. Applications Eligibility for applications submitted for free and reduced lunch were determined by a Kitchen Manager or the Director manually and by the POS system based on the published income eligibility guidelines. For applications that were determined by a Kitchen Manager, the Director reviewed and redetermined eligibility. However, this review process was not consistently documented. The Director downloaded the new income eligibility guidelines that were updated in the POS system by the software vendor. The Director reviewed the accuracy of the income eligibility guidelines and then saved them to the POS system. Documentation that the review process was implemented properly could not be provided. 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). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The system of internal controls over the monthly Direct Certification uploads, the review of the income eligibility guidelines saved in the POS system, and the manual determinations were not properly implemented. The Director did not maintain documentation that the review process had occurred. 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. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management implement a proper system of internal controls that would ensure that the appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are documented. 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 2024-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly 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 related to a child receiving free or reduced-price meals. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Any child enrolled in a participating school who meets the applicable program's definition of "child," may receive meals under the applicable program. In the case of the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, children belonging to households meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at reduced price. Children who have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals pay the full price, set by the School Food Authority, for their meals. Children attending SFSP meal service sites receive their meals at no charge. As a general rule, a child's eligibility for free or reduced-price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family income and family size. Local educational agencies, institutions, and sponsors then determine eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Additionally, a child may be direct certified. For a Direct Certification, annual eligibility determinations are based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start Program (ALN 93.600), or, under most circumstances, the TANF program (ALN 93.558). A household may furnish documentation of its participation in one of these programs; or the school, institution, or sponsor may obtain the information directly from the state or local agency that administers these programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless, and migrant children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct certified households do not need to complete an application. Direct Certifications The Food Service Director (Director) downloaded the Direct Certification report from the State of Indiana database monthly and uploaded it to the school lunch point-of-sale (POS) system. However, there was no documentation that a review process took place to ensure the uploads had imported correctly and students' status was updated accordingly. Applications Eligibility for applications submitted for free and reduced lunch were determined by a Kitchen Manager or the Director manually and by the POS system based on the published income eligibility guidelines. For applications that were determined by a Kitchen Manager, the Director reviewed and redetermined eligibility. However, this review process was not consistently documented. The Director downloaded the new income eligibility guidelines that were updated in the POS system by the software vendor. The Director reviewed the accuracy of the income eligibility guidelines and then saved them to the POS system. Documentation that the review process was implemented properly could not be provided. 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). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause The system of internal controls over the monthly Direct Certification uploads, the review of the income eligibility guidelines saved in the POS system, and the manual determinations were not properly implemented. The Director did not maintain documentation that the review process had occurred. 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. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management implement a proper system of internal controls that would ensure that the appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are documented. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster- Eligibility Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Julie Remschneider Contact Phone Number and Email Address: julie.r@nn.k12.in.us, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The business official or superintendent will review and sign off and date the eligibility reports. Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) A population of two covered transactions for purchases that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from the School Lunch fund were identified. The transactions totaling $76,138 were tested; however, the School Corporation did not verify the suspension and debarment status prior to entering into the contracts. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance 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 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. 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 process was to check for SAM Exclusions, collect a certification from the vendor, or add a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the vendor. However, the SAM exclusion check process was not properly implemented for the vendors tested nor was a certification collected, or a clause or condition added to the covered transaction. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management evaluate the procedures established to ensure processes are functioning as intended to prevent, or detect and correct, material noncompliance. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 NORTH NEWTON 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.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) A population of two covered transactions for purchases that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from the School Lunch fund were identified. The transactions totaling $76,138 were tested; however, the School Corporation did not verify the suspension and debarment status prior to entering into the contracts. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance 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 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. 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 process was to check for SAM Exclusions, collect a certification from the vendor, or add a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the vendor. However, the SAM exclusion check process was not properly implemented for the vendors tested nor was a certification collected, or a clause or condition added to the covered transaction. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management evaluate the procedures established to ensure processes are functioning as intended to prevent, or detect and correct, material noncompliance. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 NORTH NEWTON 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.
FINDING 2024-004 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster- Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Julie Remschneider Contact Phone Number and Email Address: julie.r@nn.k12.in.us, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The business official or superintendent will review and sign off and date the procurement and suspension and debarment documents. We will follow the internal control procedures beginning on p. 41 of the internal controls manual. Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) A population of two covered transactions for purchases that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from the School Lunch fund were identified. The transactions totaling $76,138 were tested; however, the School Corporation did not verify the suspension and debarment status prior to entering into the contracts. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance 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 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. 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 process was to check for SAM Exclusions, collect a certification from the vendor, or add a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the vendor. However, the SAM exclusion check process was not properly implemented for the vendors tested nor was a certification collected, or a clause or condition added to the covered transaction. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management evaluate the procedures established to ensure processes are functioning as intended to prevent, or detect and correct, material noncompliance. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 NORTH NEWTON 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.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY22-23, FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective system of internal controls was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) A population of two covered transactions for purchases that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from the School Lunch fund were identified. The transactions totaling $76,138 were tested; however, the School Corporation did not verify the suspension and debarment status prior to entering into the contracts. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance 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 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. 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 process was to check for SAM Exclusions, collect a certification from the vendor, or add a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the vendor. However, the SAM exclusion check process was not properly implemented for the vendors tested nor was a certification collected, or a clause or condition added to the covered transaction. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management evaluate the procedures established to ensure processes are functioning as intended to prevent, or detect and correct, material noncompliance. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 NORTH NEWTON 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.
FINDING 2024-004 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster- Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Julie Remschneider Contact Phone Number and Email Address: julie.r@nn.k12.in.us, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The business official or superintendent will review and sign off and date the procurement and suspension and debarment documents. We will follow the internal control procedures beginning on p. 41 of the internal controls manual. Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During the audit period, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of five transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. 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 22 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.403(h) states: "Cost must be incurred during the approved budget period. The Federal awarding agency is authorized, at its discretion, to waive prior written approvals to carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent budget periods pursuant to § 200.308(e)(3)." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for- . . . (d) Performance of work other than personal services. . . . The obligation is made- On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 36 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrant funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding that was reimbursed, which incurred outside of the period of performance, will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. 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 that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance 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 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During the audit period, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of five transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. 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 22 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.403(h) states: "Cost must be incurred during the approved budget period. The Federal awarding agency is authorized, at its discretion, to waive prior written approvals to carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent budget periods pursuant to § 200.308(e)(3)." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for- . . . (d) Performance of work other than personal services. . . . The obligation is made- On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 36 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrant funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding that was reimbursed, which incurred outside of the period of performance, will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. 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 that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance 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 2024-005 (Auditor Assigned Reference Number) Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA)- Period of Performance Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Julie Remschneider Contact Phone Number and Email Address: julie.r@nn.k12.in.us, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: We will ensure the Special Education Co-op will have controls in place to make sure payments are made within the period of performance. Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During the audit period, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of five transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. 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 22 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.403(h) states: "Cost must be incurred during the approved budget period. The Federal awarding agency is authorized, at its discretion, to waive prior written approvals to carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent budget periods pursuant to § 200.308(e)(3)." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for- . . . (d) Performance of work other than personal services. . . . The obligation is made- On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 36 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrant funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding that was reimbursed, which incurred outside of the period of performance, will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. 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 that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance 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 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Period of Performance Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, 22619-047-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context During the audit period, the School Corporation was a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of its member schools. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. For Special Education Cluster awards, funds must be obligated during the 27 months, extending from July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated through September 30 of the second following fiscal year. When testing transactions which occurred in the liquidation period for the 22611-047-PN01, 22611-047-ARP, 22619-047-PN01, and 22619-047-ARP grant awards, two exceptions were identified in the initial sample of five transactions. When expanding the sample, a third exception was noted, and it was concluded that it would not be appropriate to examine the remaining 14 transactions. For the above listed awards, costs must be obligated by September 30, 2023. For the three identified exceptions, an initial purchase order was made in September, but the ultimate transaction was paid to a separate vendor than the original purchase order, and this obligation was incurred in November 2023. 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 22 NORTH NEWTON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.403(h) states: "Cost must be incurred during the approved budget period. The Federal awarding agency is authorized, at its discretion, to waive prior written approvals to carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent budget periods pursuant to § 200.308(e)(3)." 34 CFR 76.707 states in part: ". . . If the obligation is for- . . . (d) Performance of work other than personal services. . . . The obligation is made- On the date on which the State or subgrantee makes a binding written commitment to acquire the property. . . ." 2 CFR 200.1 states in part: ". . . Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date . . ." 36 CFR 76.709(a) states: "If a State or a subgrantee does not obligate all of its grant or subgrant funds by the end of the fiscal year for which Congress appropriated the funds, it may obligate the remaining funds during a carryover period of one additional fiscal year." Cause Management had established an initial obligation date that occurred in September of the second fiscal year but modified the final vendor for payment. The new obligation occurred after the period in which the School Corporation was allowed to incur the expense. Effect If funds are not obligated by the end of the specified date, the grantor agency is not obligated to reimburse the School Corporation for costs incurred. This may indicate that the funding that was reimbursed, which incurred outside of the period of performance, will need to be repaid to the grantor agency, and the School Corporation will then need to support the costs with nonfederal funding. 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 that no costs are incurred after the September 30 deadline and to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Period of Performance 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 2024-005 (Auditor Assigned Reference Number) Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA)- Period of Performance Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Julie Remschneider Contact Phone Number and Email Address: julie.r@nn.k12.in.us, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: We will ensure the Special Education Co-op will have controls in place to make sure payments are made within the period of performance. Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025
FAC accepted this audit on March 30, 2023 — management decision was due September 30, 2023.
The School Corporation is a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs on behalf of the School Corporation and managed the special education grant funds. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and the School Corporation, the School Corporation was responsible for compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement ? Simplified Acquisition The School Corporation did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure the Cooperative complied with the procurement requirements for simplified acquisitions. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure procurements for simplified acquisitions were properly advertised and bids accepted. There were two vendors who met the Simplified Acquisition threshold during the audit period; neither were properly procured. Suspension and Debarment The School Corporation did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure the Cooperative complied with the Suspension and Debarment requirements. During school year 2020, the Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that applicable vendors who received federal funds were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal awards programs. There were three contracted vendors during the audit period; the unit did not perform procedures to ensure the vendors were not excluded or disqualified. During the 2021 school year, The School Corporation did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure the Cooperative complied with the suspension and debarment requirements. The Special Education Director obtained suspension and debarment certifications for contracted vendors over $25,000 without an oversight or review process. The lack of controls and noncompliance related to procurement were isolated to school year 2020-2021. The lack of controls related to suspension and debarment were systemic throughout the audit period; however, the noncompliance was isolated to school year 2020-2021. Cause: 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 go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure the Cooperative complied with the procurement requirements for simplified acquisitions or suspension and debarment requirements for all contracts. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2022-001 Subject: Special Education Cluster ? Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-049-PN01, 20611-047-PN01, 19619-49-PN01, 20619-047-PN01, 20611-049-PN01, 21611-047-PN01, 20619-49-PN01, 21619-047- PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Other Matters 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 awards 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 200.303 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. You do this by: 1. Checking SAM Exclusions; or 2. Collecting a certification from that person; or 3. Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.? 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 " Condition: The School Corporation is a member of the Cooperative School Services (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education programs on behalf of the School Corporation and managed the special education grant funds. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and the School Corporation, the School Corporation was responsible for compliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement ? Simplified Acquisition The School Corporation did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure the Cooperative complied with the procurement requirements for simplified acquisitions. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure procurements for simplified acquisitions were properly advertised and bids accepted. There were two vendors who met the Simplified Acquisition threshold during the audit period; neither were properly procured. Suspension and Debarment The School Corporation did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure the Cooperative complied with the Suspension and Debarment requirements. During school year 2020, the Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that applicable vendors who received federal funds were not suspended or debarred from participation in federal awards programs. There were three contracted vendors during the audit period; the unit did not perform procedures to ensure the vendors were not excluded or disqualified. During the 2021 school year, The School Corporation did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure the Cooperative complied with the suspension and debarment requirements. The Special Education Director obtained suspension and debarment certifications for contracted vendors over $25,000 without an oversight or review process. The lack of controls and noncompliance related to procurement were isolated to school year 2020-2021. The lack of controls related to suspension and debarment were systemic throughout the audit period; however, the noncompliance was isolated to school year 2020-2021. Cause: 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 go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure the Cooperative complied with the procurement requirements for simplified acquisitions or suspension and debarment requirements for all contracts. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-001 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Karen Zackfia, Director of Business and Finance Contact Phone Number: Karen Zackfia, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Official: I concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The superintendent and director of maintenance will be made aware that construction contracts in excess of $2,000 paid from federal funds must pay wages by the vendor not less than those established for the locality of North Newton School Corporation by the Department of Labor and that compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act must be in the vendor?s contract requiring weekly submissions of a copy of payroll and statement of compliance to North Newton School Corporation by the vendor as work is completed. The submission of the required documents will be one of the requirements for payment to the vendor. Anticipated Completion Date: The corrective action plan was implemented on March 15, 2023.
An effective internal control system was not designed, nor implemented at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in which contract work was performed. The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures to ensure that construction contracts in excess of $2,000 paid from federal grant funds included a prevailing wage rate clause. Two constructions contract during the audit period were subject to the wage rate requirements; however, the contracts did not have the required prevailing wage rate clause included in the contract, nor were certified payrolls submitted by the contractor. The lack of internal controls and failure to maintain and provide adequate supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Cause: Management had not developed nor implemented a system of internal control that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system and to retain and provide appropriate supporting documentation prevented the determination of the School Corporation?s compliance with the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: An effective internal control system was not designed, nor implemented at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls, as well as retain appropriate supporting documentation, to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2022-002 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number:84.425D Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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 CFR 5.5 states in part: ?(a) The Agency head shall cause or require the contracting officer to insert in full in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the acts listed in ?5.1, the following clauses? (1) Minimum wages. (i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or under the United States Housing Act of 1937 or under the Housing Act of 1949 in the construction or development of the project), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics? (3)(ii)(A) The contractor shall submit weekly for each week in which any contract work is performed a copy of all payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . .? 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, ?Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction?). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week ? Condition: An effective internal control system was not designed, nor implemented at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in which contract work was performed. The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures to ensure that construction contracts in excess of $2,000 paid from federal grant funds included a prevailing wage rate clause. Two constructions contract during the audit period were subject to the wage rate requirements; however, the contracts did not have the required prevailing wage rate clause included in the contract, nor were certified payrolls submitted by the contractor. The lack of internal controls and failure to maintain and provide adequate supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Cause: Management had not developed nor implemented a system of internal control that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system and to retain and provide appropriate supporting documentation prevented the determination of the School Corporation?s compliance with the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: An effective internal control system was not designed, nor implemented at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls, as well as retain appropriate supporting documentation, to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-002 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Karen Zackfia, Director of Business and Finance Contact Phone Number: Karen Zackfia, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Official: I concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The purchase of two water tanks were not recorded in the fixed assets inventory because the purchases were viewed as a repairs to infrastructure. Effective immediately, improvements or renovations to existing infrastructure will be capitalized as outlined in board policy. Anticipated Completion Date: The corrective action plan was implemented on March 15, 2023.
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 Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. The School Corporation paid $154,279 for water tank improvements at two locations. These capital improvements were not added to a detailed listing of capital assets that would include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property. In addition, a physical inventory had not been taken in the past two years. Assets were not properly safeguarded and maintained. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. 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 Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2022-003 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: ?The non-Federal entity must: ?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 200.313(d) states in part: "(1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sales price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at lease once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. ? Condition: 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 Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. The School Corporation paid $154,279 for water tank improvements at two locations. These capital improvements were not added to a detailed listing of capital assets that would include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property. In addition, a physical inventory had not been taken in the past two years. Assets were not properly safeguarded and maintained. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement could have resulted in the loss of federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. 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 Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-003 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Karen Zackfia, Director of Business and Finance Contact Phone Number: Karen Zackfia, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Because the COVID-19 pandemic caused the addition of new CARES and ESSER grants and various new additional data reporting requirements, the director of business and finance forgot to obtain the second review and appropriate documentation as is being done for each grant reimbursement request and the final expenditure report Effective immediately, all federal data reports will be reviewed by either the superintendent or deputy treasurer before submission. The review will be documented with the reviewer?s initials and date as well as the preparer?s initials and date of completion. Anticipated Completion Date: The corrective action plan was implemented on March 15, 2023.
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 Reporting compliance requirement. The School Corporation had not designed, nor implemented, a documented system of internal control to ensure that the annual Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) annual data collection reports (Reports) were complete and accurately submitted. The Reports were prepared by one employee without a documented oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was systemic throughout the audit period. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system could have enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. 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 Reporting compliance requirement. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Show full finding ▾Hide full finding ▴FINDING 2022-004 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425C, 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425C200018, S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency 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 awards 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) " Condition: 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 Reporting compliance requirement. The School Corporation had not designed, nor implemented, a documented system of internal control to ensure that the annual Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) annual data collection reports (Reports) were complete and accurately submitted. The Reports were prepared by one employee without a documented oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. The lack of internal controls was systemic throughout the audit period. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system could have enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. 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 Reporting compliance requirement. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-004 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Karen Zackfia, Director of Business and Finance Contact Phone Number: Karen Zackfia, 219-285-2228 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirements were not met because a system of internal controls had not been established by Cooperative School Services. The North Newton School Corporation is a participating member school corporation of Cooperative School Services, a special education cooperative. Cooperative School Services has developed internal controls to ensure the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirements are met. North Newton School Corporation will implement internal controls to ensure that Cooperative School Services is complying with Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirements. Anticipated Completion Date: The corrective action plan will be implemented on March 16, 2023.
FAC accepted this audit on May 6, 2021 — management decision was due November 6, 2021.
FAC accepted this audit on April 24, 2019 — management decision was due October 24, 2019.
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2016-006
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2016-007
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