Macon and Piatt Counties Regional Office of Education No. 39

EIN: 370985257

UEI: GZ15LK6HYLZ2

Data as of August 23, 2026

Macon and Piatt Counties Regional Office of Education No. 393 audit years14 findings9 repeat
3
Audit Years
14
Total Findings
9
Repeat Findings

FY 2024-06-30

Management decision deadline — for entities that funded this organization

The FAC accepted this audit on November 11, 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 May 11, 2026 (105 days ago).

What is a management decision? →
2024-001
Reporting
REPEAT

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The grant award agreements between the Regional Office of Education No. 39 and Illinois State Board of Education require the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to complete and submit expenditure reports quarterly. The quarterly expenditure reports are due 20 calendar days after the end of the reporting quarter. The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR. §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements and expenditure reports are properly supported. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not submit or timely submit the required reports to the Illinois State Board of Education in compliance with the grant award agreement. CONTEXT: During testing of the Regional Office of Education No. 39’s compliance with the grant reporting requirements, we noted the following:  One of 44 (2%) quarterly expenditure reports were submitted 31 days late.  Five of 44 (11%) quarterly expenditure reports lacked sufficient documentation to support expenditures reported; therefore, we were unable to determine if the quarterly expenditure reports were accurately reported. EFFECT: Failure to meet grant reporting requirements is a noncompliance with the related grant agreement and could result in loss of grant funding in future years. CAUSE: Management indicated that the required reports were not timely submitted, and supporting documentation was unavailable due to oversight and access limitations under the previous finance staff. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the Regional Office of Education No. 39 implement procedures to ensure adherence to the grant reporting requirements and to ensure quarterly expenditure reports are properly supported. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and will provide close oversight for the timely submission of grant expenditures and performance reports. Checklist, due dates, and reminders are shared from the Regional Superintendent to the Business Office Manager and Program Directors. Management will review the grant report submissions in Illinois Web Application Security (IWAS) for accuracy and completion before approving and submitting to Illinois State Board of Education.

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The grant award agreements between the Regional Office of Education No. 39 and Illinois State Board of Education require the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to complete and submit expenditure reports quarterly. The quarterly expenditure reports are due 20 calendar days after the end of the reporting quarter. The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR. §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements and expenditure reports are properly supported. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not submit or timely submit the required reports to the Illinois State Board of Education in compliance with the grant award agreement. CONTEXT: During testing of the Regional Office of Education No. 39’s compliance with the grant reporting requirements, we noted the following:  One of 44 (2%) quarterly expenditure reports were submitted 31 days late.  Five of 44 (11%) quarterly expenditure reports lacked sufficient documentation to support expenditures reported; therefore, we were unable to determine if the quarterly expenditure reports were accurately reported. EFFECT: Failure to meet grant reporting requirements is a noncompliance with the related grant agreement and could result in loss of grant funding in future years. CAUSE: Management indicated that the required reports were not timely submitted, and supporting documentation was unavailable due to oversight and access limitations under the previous finance staff. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the Regional Office of Education No. 39 implement procedures to ensure adherence to the grant reporting requirements and to ensure quarterly expenditure reports are properly supported. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and will provide close oversight for the timely submission of grant expenditures and performance reports. Checklist, due dates, and reminders are shared from the Regional Superintendent to the Business Office Manager and Program Directors. Management will review the grant report submissions in Illinois Web Application Security (IWAS) for accuracy and completion before approving and submitting to Illinois State Board of Education.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not submit or timely submit the required reports to the Illinois State Board of Education in compliance with the grant award agreement. PLAN: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and will provide close oversight for the timely submission of grant expenditures and performance reports. Checklist, due dates, and reminders are shared from the Regional Superintendent to the Business Office Manager and Program Directors. Management will review the grant report submissions in Illinois Web Application Security (IWAS) for accuracy and completion before approving and submitting to Illinois State Board of Education. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: Implemented July 2024

Prior Finding References

2023-002

About Reporting →
2024-003
Equipment & Real Property
REPEAT

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have adequate record keeping over its equipment acquired from federal funds. The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR §200.313(d)(1)) requires that procedures for managing equipment acquired with federal funds must maintain property records that include the following information: (i) a description of the property, (ii) manufacturer’s serial number or other identification number, (iii) source of the funding for the property (including the Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN)), (iv) who holds title, (v) acquisition date (vi) cost of the property, (vii) percentage of federal contribution in the project cost for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, (viii) location (ix) use and condition of the property, and (x) and any ultimate disposition data, including date of disposal and sale price of the property. Moreover, the Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include record keeping and monitoring of equipment acquired from federal funds. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 manually maintains and stores its inventory of property and equipment. Asset details in the property records include only the description of the property, manufacturer’s serial number or other identification number, source of funds, who holds title, acquisition date, and cost of the property. The other minimum requirements specified by the Code including FAIN, location, use and condition of the property are not included in the property records. EFFECT: Inadequate record keeping over equipment acquired from federal funds may result in noncompliance with the Code. CAUSE: Management indicated that the issue was due to oversight and lack of training on requirements. RECOMMENDATION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 should maintain detailed property records as required by federal regulations to ensure full compliance. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and is implementing documents and procedures to meet requirements in the future

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have adequate record keeping over its equipment acquired from federal funds. The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR §200.313(d)(1)) requires that procedures for managing equipment acquired with federal funds must maintain property records that include the following information: (i) a description of the property, (ii) manufacturer’s serial number or other identification number, (iii) source of the funding for the property (including the Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN)), (iv) who holds title, (v) acquisition date (vi) cost of the property, (vii) percentage of federal contribution in the project cost for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, (viii) location (ix) use and condition of the property, and (x) and any ultimate disposition data, including date of disposal and sale price of the property. Moreover, the Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include record keeping and monitoring of equipment acquired from federal funds. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 manually maintains and stores its inventory of property and equipment. Asset details in the property records include only the description of the property, manufacturer’s serial number or other identification number, source of funds, who holds title, acquisition date, and cost of the property. The other minimum requirements specified by the Code including FAIN, location, use and condition of the property are not included in the property records. EFFECT: Inadequate record keeping over equipment acquired from federal funds may result in noncompliance with the Code. CAUSE: Management indicated that the issue was due to oversight and lack of training on requirements. RECOMMENDATION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 should maintain detailed property records as required by federal regulations to ensure full compliance. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and is implementing documents and procedures to meet requirements in the future

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 manually maintains and stores its inventory of property and equipment. Asset details in the property records include only the description of the property, manufacturer’s serial number or other identification number, source of funds, who holds title, acquisition date, and cost of the property. The other minimum requirements specified by the Code including FAIN, location, use and condition of the property are not included in the property records. PLAN: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 created a combined inventory documents to provide a complete detailed accounting of all property and equipment which provided majority of the required information for federal funds as well as a reconciliation to the capital outlay disclosures within the financial statements. The missing data requirements for the compliance with record keeping of Equipment from Federal funds will be added for Fiscal Year 2025. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: Implemented August 2025

Prior Finding References

2023-004

About Equipment and Real Property Management →
2024-004
Subrecipient Monitoring
REPEAT

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR § 200.332 (e)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to monitor the activities of the subrecipient to ensure the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward, and that subaward performance goals are achieved. The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures over subrecipient monitoring. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have adequate controls over subrecipient monitoring in compliance with the Code. CONTEXT: During our testing of four subrecipients, we noted the Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not adequately monitor its subrecipients’ grant reporting requirements: • 43 of 48 (90%) monthly expenditure reports were not received. • 4 of 48 (8%) monthly expenditure reports were received five to 183 days late. • 4 of 4 (100%) annual performance reports were received 51 to 114 days late. EFFECT: Lack of controls over subrecipient monitoring may result in subrecipients not properly administering the federal programs in accordance with federal regulations. CAUSE: Management indicated this was due to oversight and staffing limitation. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the Regional Office of Education No. 39 establish and implement procedures over subrecipient monitoring. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and although some subrecipient monitoring was conducted, not all of the required reports were received, or they were not received in a timely manner. The Regional Office of Education No. 39 is implementing policies and procedures to ensure subrecipient monitoring is not only received but received in a timely manner as well.

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR § 200.332 (e)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to monitor the activities of the subrecipient to ensure the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward, and that subaward performance goals are achieved. The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures over subrecipient monitoring. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have adequate controls over subrecipient monitoring in compliance with the Code. CONTEXT: During our testing of four subrecipients, we noted the Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not adequately monitor its subrecipients’ grant reporting requirements: • 43 of 48 (90%) monthly expenditure reports were not received. • 4 of 48 (8%) monthly expenditure reports were received five to 183 days late. • 4 of 4 (100%) annual performance reports were received 51 to 114 days late. EFFECT: Lack of controls over subrecipient monitoring may result in subrecipients not properly administering the federal programs in accordance with federal regulations. CAUSE: Management indicated this was due to oversight and staffing limitation. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the Regional Office of Education No. 39 establish and implement procedures over subrecipient monitoring. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and although some subrecipient monitoring was conducted, not all of the required reports were received, or they were not received in a timely manner. The Regional Office of Education No. 39 is implementing policies and procedures to ensure subrecipient monitoring is not only received but received in a timely manner as well.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have adequate controls over subrecipient monitoring in compliance with the Code. PLAN: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 drafted subrecipient monitoring policies and procedures for Fiscal Year 2024 after receiving the Fiscal Year 2022 audit finding on December 2023. Policies and procedures included reporting, monitoring, and award notification for the subrecipients of the ARP- Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Response grant. Some of the subrecipient information was received late from subrecipients. The Regional Office of Education No. 39 will follow up with subrecipients to ensure that all information is received and in a timely manner whenever possible. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: Implemented August 2025

Prior Finding References

2023-006

About Subrecipient Monitoring →
2024-005
Other
REPEAT

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR §200.510 (b)), establishes criteria and requirements related to the preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards. The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures over preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have sufficient internal controls over the preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) to ensure all federal expenditures during the fiscal year were reported and information in the SEFA was accurately reported. CONTEXT: During our review of the SEFA, we noted the following:  Program title descriptions were incorrect.  Assistance listing number was incorrectly listed. EFFECT: Failure to report an accurate SEFA affects the required audit coverage to meet federal requirements and can delay an audit beyond the reporting deadline. CAUSE: Management indicated the errors on the SEFA was due to oversight. RECOMMENDATION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 should establish and implement internal controls over preparation of the SEFA to ensure accurate reporting. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and will work with contracted accounting firm to ensure that the schedule of expenditures of federal awards is accurately reported as required.

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR §200.510 (b)), establishes criteria and requirements related to the preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards. The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures over preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have sufficient internal controls over the preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) to ensure all federal expenditures during the fiscal year were reported and information in the SEFA was accurately reported. CONTEXT: During our review of the SEFA, we noted the following:  Program title descriptions were incorrect.  Assistance listing number was incorrectly listed. EFFECT: Failure to report an accurate SEFA affects the required audit coverage to meet federal requirements and can delay an audit beyond the reporting deadline. CAUSE: Management indicated the errors on the SEFA was due to oversight. RECOMMENDATION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 should establish and implement internal controls over preparation of the SEFA to ensure accurate reporting. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and will work with contracted accounting firm to ensure that the schedule of expenditures of federal awards is accurately reported as required.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have sufficient internal controls over the preparation of the SEFA to ensure all federal expenditures during the fiscal year were reported and information in the SEFA was complete and accurately reported. PLAN: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 will implement controls over financial statements for both the internal Business Office Manager and the contracted accounting firm to prepare and review the financial statements including the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, to ensure program titles, assistance listing numbers and other pertinent information is accurate for financial statement presentation. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: Implemented August 2025

Prior Finding References

2023-007

About Other →

FY 2023-06-30

FAC accepted this audit on January 13, 2025 — management decision was due July 13, 2025.

2023-002
Reporting
REPEAT

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The grant award agreements between the Regional Office of Education No. 39 and Illinois State Board of Education require the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to complete and submit expenditure reports quarterly and performance reports semi-annually. The quarterly expenditure reports are due 20 calendar days after the end of the reporting quarter while the semi-annual performance reports are due 30 calendar days after the reporting semi-annual period. The Regional Office of Education No. 39 is also required to submit an annual performance report describing how the Regional Office of Education No. 39 used the awarded funds during the performance period. The annual reports are due June 6, 2024. The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR. §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not submit or timely submit the required reports to the Illinois State Board of Education in compliance with the grant award agreement. CONTEXT: During testing of the Regional Office of Education No. 39’s compliance with the grant reporting requirements, we noted the following:  Sixteen of 38 (42%) quarterly expenditure reports were submitted 1 to 112 days late.  Two of 2 (100%) annual reports were not submitted. EFFECT: Failure to meet grant reporting requirements is a noncompliance with the related grant agreement and could result in loss of grant funding in future years. CAUSE: Management indicated required reports were not submitted or timely submitted due to oversight and competing priorities. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the Regional Office of Education No. 39 implement procedures to ensure adherence to the grant reporting requirements. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the findings and will provide close oversight for the timely submission of grant expenditures and performance reports. Checklist, due dates, and reminders are shared from the Regional Superintendent to the Business Office Manager and Program Directors. Management will review the grant report submissions in Illinois Web Accessibility System for accuracy and completion before approving and submitting to the Illinois State Board of Education.

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The grant award agreements between the Regional Office of Education No. 39 and Illinois State Board of Education require the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to complete and submit expenditure reports quarterly and performance reports semi-annually. The quarterly expenditure reports are due 20 calendar days after the end of the reporting quarter while the semi-annual performance reports are due 30 calendar days after the reporting semi-annual period. The Regional Office of Education No. 39 is also required to submit an annual performance report describing how the Regional Office of Education No. 39 used the awarded funds during the performance period. The annual reports are due June 6, 2024. The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR. §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not submit or timely submit the required reports to the Illinois State Board of Education in compliance with the grant award agreement. CONTEXT: During testing of the Regional Office of Education No. 39’s compliance with the grant reporting requirements, we noted the following:  Sixteen of 38 (42%) quarterly expenditure reports were submitted 1 to 112 days late.  Two of 2 (100%) annual reports were not submitted. EFFECT: Failure to meet grant reporting requirements is a noncompliance with the related grant agreement and could result in loss of grant funding in future years. CAUSE: Management indicated required reports were not submitted or timely submitted due to oversight and competing priorities. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the Regional Office of Education No. 39 implement procedures to ensure adherence to the grant reporting requirements. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the findings and will provide close oversight for the timely submission of grant expenditures and performance reports. Checklist, due dates, and reminders are shared from the Regional Superintendent to the Business Office Manager and Program Directors. Management will review the grant report submissions in Illinois Web Accessibility System for accuracy and completion before approving and submitting to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not submit or timely submit the required reports to the Illinois State Board of Education in compliance with the grant award agreement. PLAN: The ROE management will provide close oversight for the timely submission of grant expenditures and performance reports. Checklist, due dates, and reminders are shared from the Regional Superintendent to the Business Office Manager and Program Directors. Management will review the grant report submissions in IWAS for accuracy and completion before approving and submitting to ISBE. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: Implemented January 2024 CONTACT PERSON: Jill Reedy, Regional Superintendent

Prior Finding References

2022-002, 2021-002, 2020-002, 2019-002

About Reporting →
2023-004
Equipment & Real Property

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have adequate record keeping over its equipment acquired from federal funds. The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR §200.313(d)(1)) requires that procedures for managing equipment acquired with federal funds must maintain property records that include the following information: (i) a description of the property, (ii) manufacturer’s serial number or other identification number, (iii) source of the funding for the property (including the FAIN), (iv) who holds title, (v) acquisition date (vi) cost of the property, (vii) percentage of federal contribution in the project cost for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, (viii) location (ix) use and condition of the property, and (x) and any ultimate disposition data, including date of disposal and sale price of the property. Moreover, the Code (2 CFR §200.313(d)(2)) requires that a physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. In addition, the Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include record keeping and monitoring of equipment acquired from federal funds. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 asset details in the property records include only the description of the property, acquisition date, and cost of the property. The other minimum requirements specified by the Code are not included in the property records. Moreover, the Regional Office of Education No. 39 was unable to properly account for the results of its physical inventory count and only performed partial reconciliation. EFFECT: Inadequate record keeping over equipment acquired from federal funds may result in noncompliance with the Code. Additionally, incomplete reconciliation of physical inventory can lead to discrepancies in financial reporting, affecting overall accountability. CAUSE: Management indicated the issue was due to oversight and lack of training on requirements by the previous management. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the Regional Office of Education No. 39 comply with federal regulations by monitoring equipment acquired from federal funds and establish a regular schedule for comprehensive reconciliation of physical inventory to ensure accurate financial reporting and enhance overall accountability. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and is implementing documents and procedures to meet requirements in the future.

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have adequate record keeping over its equipment acquired from federal funds. The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR §200.313(d)(1)) requires that procedures for managing equipment acquired with federal funds must maintain property records that include the following information: (i) a description of the property, (ii) manufacturer’s serial number or other identification number, (iii) source of the funding for the property (including the FAIN), (iv) who holds title, (v) acquisition date (vi) cost of the property, (vii) percentage of federal contribution in the project cost for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, (viii) location (ix) use and condition of the property, and (x) and any ultimate disposition data, including date of disposal and sale price of the property. Moreover, the Code (2 CFR §200.313(d)(2)) requires that a physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. In addition, the Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include record keeping and monitoring of equipment acquired from federal funds. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 asset details in the property records include only the description of the property, acquisition date, and cost of the property. The other minimum requirements specified by the Code are not included in the property records. Moreover, the Regional Office of Education No. 39 was unable to properly account for the results of its physical inventory count and only performed partial reconciliation. EFFECT: Inadequate record keeping over equipment acquired from federal funds may result in noncompliance with the Code. Additionally, incomplete reconciliation of physical inventory can lead to discrepancies in financial reporting, affecting overall accountability. CAUSE: Management indicated the issue was due to oversight and lack of training on requirements by the previous management. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the Regional Office of Education No. 39 comply with federal regulations by monitoring equipment acquired from federal funds and establish a regular schedule for comprehensive reconciliation of physical inventory to ensure accurate financial reporting and enhance overall accountability. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and is implementing documents and procedures to meet requirements in the future.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 manually maintains and stores its inventory of property and equipment. Asset details in the property records include only the description of the property, acquisition date, and cost of the property. The other minimum requirements specified by the Code are not included in the property records. Moreover, the Regional Office of Education No. 39 was unable to properly account for the results of its physical inventory count and only performed partial reconciliation. PLAN: The ROE will combine the current inventory documents to provide a complete detailed accounting of all property and equipment which will provide both the required information for federal funds as well as a reconciliation to the capital outlay disclosures within the financial statements. Physical inventory will be taken each year with additions and deletions recorded and signed off on by management. These documents will be recorded and stored each year for review. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: The anticipated date of completion is January 2025. CONTACT PERSON: Jill Reedy, Regional Superintendent

About Equipment and Real Property Management →
2023-005
Cost Allowability
REPEAT

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 procedure requires the Regional Superintendent or the Program Director to review and approve invoices and requisitions before forwarding to the business office for processing. The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR §200.403(g)) states that costs must be adequately documented in order to be allowable under Federal Awards. In addition, the Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure expenditures under Federal awards are supported, reviewed and approved. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not ensure costs or expenditures were adequately documented, reviewed, and approved to ensure allowability under the federal award. CONTEXT: During testing of 60 expenditures totaling $854,868, we noted the following:  Ten (17%) expenditures had invoices or receipts that were not initialed by the Program Director or Regional Superintendent to indicate review and approval of the expenditures; and,  Two (3%) expenditures were not supported with a requisition form. EFFECT: Inadequate controls of expenditures may result in unallowable costs charged to the Federal award. CAUSE: Management indicated that expenditures were not signed by the Regional Superintendent or Program Director due to oversight and the supporting requisition forms were misplaced by previous responsible personnel. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the Regional Office of Education No. 39 ensures all expenditures are properly supported, reviewed, and approved prior to payment. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and is implementing a new process to ensure all expenditures have documented approval and review.

Show full finding ▾
Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 procedure requires the Regional Superintendent or the Program Director to review and approve invoices and requisitions before forwarding to the business office for processing. The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR §200.403(g)) states that costs must be adequately documented in order to be allowable under Federal Awards. In addition, the Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure expenditures under Federal awards are supported, reviewed and approved. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not ensure costs or expenditures were adequately documented, reviewed, and approved to ensure allowability under the federal award. CONTEXT: During testing of 60 expenditures totaling $854,868, we noted the following:  Ten (17%) expenditures had invoices or receipts that were not initialed by the Program Director or Regional Superintendent to indicate review and approval of the expenditures; and,  Two (3%) expenditures were not supported with a requisition form. EFFECT: Inadequate controls of expenditures may result in unallowable costs charged to the Federal award. CAUSE: Management indicated that expenditures were not signed by the Regional Superintendent or Program Director due to oversight and the supporting requisition forms were misplaced by previous responsible personnel. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the Regional Office of Education No. 39 ensures all expenditures are properly supported, reviewed, and approved prior to payment. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and is implementing a new process to ensure all expenditures have documented approval and review.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not ensure costs or expenditures were adequately documented, reviewed, and approved to ensure allowability under the federal award. PLAN: Although procedures were put into place in March 2023 to ensure that all expenditures were signed by the Program Directors, or Assistant/Regional Superintendent the previous Business Office Manager and Accounts Payable employee were not consistent on ensuring that all receipts/invoices were reviewed if a PO was created and approved or if it was approved with prior requisition form. A new purchasing process will be implemented that will document all expenditures have been reviewed, approved, and ensured that they are allowable under the federal and state award. This process will be consistent across all purchases to ensure that all approvals and reviews are conducted and documented. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: Implemented May 2024 CONTACT PERSON: Jill Reedy, Regional Superintendent

Prior Finding References

2022-005

About Allowable Costs / Cost Principles →
2023-006
Subrecipient Monitoring
REPEAT

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR § 200.332 (g)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to verify every subrecipient is audited as required by Subpart F when it is expected that the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in 2 CFR § 200.501. The Code (2 CFR § 200.332 (e)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to monitor the activities of the subrecipient to ensure the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward, and that subaward performance goals are achieved. The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures over subrecipient monitoring. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have adequate controls over subrecipient monitoring in compliance with the Code. CONTEXT: During our testing of nine subrecipients, we noted the following:  The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not verify whether subrecipients were required to be audited.  The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have written policies and procedures for subrecipient monitoring and could not provide evidence the Regional Office of Education No. 39 monitored its subrecipients during the audit period. EFFECT: Lack of controls over subrecipient monitoring may result in subrecipients not properly administering the federal programs in accordance with federal regulations. CAUSE: Management indicated this was due to oversight and staffing limitations by previous management. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the Regional Office of Education No. 39 establish and implement procedures over subrecipient monitoring. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and although some subrecipient monitoring was conducted, it may not have been sufficiently documented. The Regional Office of Education No. 39 is implementing policies and procedures to ensure subrecipient monitoring is not only conducted but documented as well.

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR § 200.332 (g)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to verify every subrecipient is audited as required by Subpart F when it is expected that the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in 2 CFR § 200.501. The Code (2 CFR § 200.332 (e)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to monitor the activities of the subrecipient to ensure the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward, and that subaward performance goals are achieved. The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures over subrecipient monitoring. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have adequate controls over subrecipient monitoring in compliance with the Code. CONTEXT: During our testing of nine subrecipients, we noted the following:  The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not verify whether subrecipients were required to be audited.  The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have written policies and procedures for subrecipient monitoring and could not provide evidence the Regional Office of Education No. 39 monitored its subrecipients during the audit period. EFFECT: Lack of controls over subrecipient monitoring may result in subrecipients not properly administering the federal programs in accordance with federal regulations. CAUSE: Management indicated this was due to oversight and staffing limitations by previous management. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the Regional Office of Education No. 39 establish and implement procedures over subrecipient monitoring. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and although some subrecipient monitoring was conducted, it may not have been sufficiently documented. The Regional Office of Education No. 39 is implementing policies and procedures to ensure subrecipient monitoring is not only conducted but documented as well.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have adequate controls over subrecipient monitoring in compliance with the Code. PLAN: The ROE drafted subrecipient monitoring policies and procedures for FY24 after receiving the FY22 audit finding December 2023. Policies and procedures will include required reporting, monitoring, and award notification for the subrecipients of the ARP- Social Emotional Learning grant. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: Implemented April 2024 CONTACT PERSON: Jill Reedy, Regional Superintendent

Prior Finding References

2022-006

About Subrecipient Monitoring →
2023-007
Reporting
REPEAT

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR §200.510 (b)), establishes criteria and requirements related to the preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards. The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures over preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have sufficient internal controls over the preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) to ensure all federal expenditures during the fiscal year were reported and information in the SEFA was accurately reported. CONTEXT: During our review of the SEFA, we noted the following:  The Education Stabilization Fund was not specifically categorized in the SEFA and the total federal awards expended for the program was not reported.  Program title descriptions were incorrect.  Assistance listing number was incorrectly listed.  Pass-through subrecipient amount was not indicated. EFFECT: Failure to report an accurate SEFA affects the required audit coverage to meet federal requirements and can delay an audit beyond the reporting deadline. CAUSE: Management indicated the errors on the SEFA was due to oversight. RECOMMENDATION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 should establish and implement internal controls over preparation of the SEFA to ensure accurate reporting. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and will work with contracted accounting firm to ensure that the schedule of expenditures of federal awards are accurately reported as required.

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR §200.510 (b)), establishes criteria and requirements related to the preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards. The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures over preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have sufficient internal controls over the preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) to ensure all federal expenditures during the fiscal year were reported and information in the SEFA was accurately reported. CONTEXT: During our review of the SEFA, we noted the following:  The Education Stabilization Fund was not specifically categorized in the SEFA and the total federal awards expended for the program was not reported.  Program title descriptions were incorrect.  Assistance listing number was incorrectly listed.  Pass-through subrecipient amount was not indicated. EFFECT: Failure to report an accurate SEFA affects the required audit coverage to meet federal requirements and can delay an audit beyond the reporting deadline. CAUSE: Management indicated the errors on the SEFA was due to oversight. RECOMMENDATION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 should establish and implement internal controls over preparation of the SEFA to ensure accurate reporting. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the audit findings and will work with contracted accounting firm to ensure that the schedule of expenditures of federal awards are accurately reported as required.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 did not have sufficient internal controls over the preparation of the SEFA to ensure all federal expenditures during the fiscal year were reported and information in the SEFA was accurately reported. PLAN: The ROE will implement controls over financial statements for both the internal Business Office Manager and the contracted accounting firm to prepare and review the financial statements including the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, to ensure program titles, assistance listing numbers and other pertinent information is accurate for financial statement presentation ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: The anticipated date of completion is December 2024. CONTACT PERSON: Jill Reedy, Regional Superintendent

Prior Finding References

2022-007

About Reporting →
2023-008
Other

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR §200.512(a)(1)) requires the data collection form and reporting package be submitted within 30 calendar days after the auditee receives the auditor’s report or nine months after the end of the audit period (whichever is earlier). Moreover, Office of the Management and Budget announced that it is waiving the 30-day deadline for 2022 submissions. Thus, audits will be considered on time if submitted within nine months after the fiscal period end date. In addition, the Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure the data collection form and related reporting package are timely submitted. Federal oversight agencies use the data collection form and related reporting package as a key tool in monitoring the accountability of federal awards. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 was required to submit its June 30, 2022, data collection form and related reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse by March 31, 2023; however, it was not submitted until January 3, 2024, resulting in a delay of 278 days. EFFECT: Failure to submit timely the required federal reports, impairs the ability of federal oversight agencies to perform such monitoring on a timely basis. Additionally, this resulted in noncompliance with federal requirements and could also result in the withholding of funding for other eligible projects or activities involving the Regional Office of Education No. 39. CAUSE: Management indicated that the Fiscal Year 2022 Audit packet was finalized late due to delays in preparing the packets for the prior years (2020 and 2021) and was only submitted in January 2024. This timeline issue stemmed from a lack of monitoring in previous years, resulting in audits falling behind. RECOMMENDATION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 should establish and implement internal controls over timely submission of the data collection form and related reporting package. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the findings and is working with their contracted accounting firm to ensure that the office gets back on schedule with the yearly audit deadlines so that the Federal Audit Clearinghouse may be submitted on schedule as well.

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR §200.512(a)(1)) requires the data collection form and reporting package be submitted within 30 calendar days after the auditee receives the auditor’s report or nine months after the end of the audit period (whichever is earlier). Moreover, Office of the Management and Budget announced that it is waiving the 30-day deadline for 2022 submissions. Thus, audits will be considered on time if submitted within nine months after the fiscal period end date. In addition, the Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the Regional Office of Education No. 39 is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure the data collection form and related reporting package are timely submitted. Federal oversight agencies use the data collection form and related reporting package as a key tool in monitoring the accountability of federal awards. CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 was required to submit its June 30, 2022, data collection form and related reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse by March 31, 2023; however, it was not submitted until January 3, 2024, resulting in a delay of 278 days. EFFECT: Failure to submit timely the required federal reports, impairs the ability of federal oversight agencies to perform such monitoring on a timely basis. Additionally, this resulted in noncompliance with federal requirements and could also result in the withholding of funding for other eligible projects or activities involving the Regional Office of Education No. 39. CAUSE: Management indicated that the Fiscal Year 2022 Audit packet was finalized late due to delays in preparing the packets for the prior years (2020 and 2021) and was only submitted in January 2024. This timeline issue stemmed from a lack of monitoring in previous years, resulting in audits falling behind. RECOMMENDATION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 should establish and implement internal controls over timely submission of the data collection form and related reporting package. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 agrees with the findings and is working with their contracted accounting firm to ensure that the office gets back on schedule with the yearly audit deadlines so that the Federal Audit Clearinghouse may be submitted on schedule as well.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 was required to submit its June 30, 2022, data collection form and related reporting package to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse by March 31, 2023; however, it was not submitted until January 3, 2024, resulting in a delay of 278 days. PLAN: The new ROE Business Office Manager will work closely with their contracted accounting firm to ensure that the office gets back on schedule with the yearly audit deadlines. Because the audit for FY22 was not completed until January 2024 the Federal Audit Clearinghouse could not be submitted until that time. The FY24 financial statements are scheduled to be provided in January 2025 so that the office can get back on schedule for the FY25 audit deadline of August 31, 2025 and therefore the March 31, 2026 Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadline. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: The anticipated date of completion is December 2025. CONTACT PERSON: Jill Reedy, Regional Superintendent

About Other →

FY 2022-06-30

FAC accepted this audit on January 3, 2024 — management decision was due July 3, 2024.

2022-002
Reporting
REPEAT

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The grant award agreement between the Regional Office of Education No. 39 (ROE) and Illinois State Board of Education requires the ROE to complete and submit expenditure reports quarterly and performance reports semi-annually. The quarterly expenditure reports are due 20 calendar days after the end of the reporting quarter while the semi-annual performance reports are due 30 calendar days after the reporting semi-annual period. The ROE is also required to submit an annual performance report describing how the ROE used the awarded funds during the performance period. The annual reports are due March 17, 2023. The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR. §200.303 (a)) requires the ROE to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the ROE is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements. CONDITION: The ROE did not submit or timely submit the required reports to the Illinois State Board of Education in compliance with the grant award agreement. CONTEXT: During testing of the ROE’s compliance with the grant reporting requirements, we noted the following: • Thirty four of 38 (89%) quarterly expenditure reports were submitted 20 to 342 days late. • Three of 38 (8%) quarterly expenditure reports were not submitted. • Four of six (67%) semi-annual reports were not submitted. • One of six (17%) semi-annual report was submitted 158 days late. • Three of three (100%) annual reports were not submitted. EFFECT: Failure to meet grant reporting requirements is a noncompliance with the related grant agreement and could result in loss of grant funding in future years. CAUSE: ROE management indicated required reports were not submitted or timely submitted due to oversight and competing priorities. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the ROE implement procedures to ensure adherence to the grant reporting requirements. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The ROE agrees with this finding. Previous management did not monitor grant compliance.

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The grant award agreement between the Regional Office of Education No. 39 (ROE) and Illinois State Board of Education requires the ROE to complete and submit expenditure reports quarterly and performance reports semi-annually. The quarterly expenditure reports are due 20 calendar days after the end of the reporting quarter while the semi-annual performance reports are due 30 calendar days after the reporting semi-annual period. The ROE is also required to submit an annual performance report describing how the ROE used the awarded funds during the performance period. The annual reports are due March 17, 2023. The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR. §200.303 (a)) requires the ROE to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the ROE is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements. CONDITION: The ROE did not submit or timely submit the required reports to the Illinois State Board of Education in compliance with the grant award agreement. CONTEXT: During testing of the ROE’s compliance with the grant reporting requirements, we noted the following: • Thirty four of 38 (89%) quarterly expenditure reports were submitted 20 to 342 days late. • Three of 38 (8%) quarterly expenditure reports were not submitted. • Four of six (67%) semi-annual reports were not submitted. • One of six (17%) semi-annual report was submitted 158 days late. • Three of three (100%) annual reports were not submitted. EFFECT: Failure to meet grant reporting requirements is a noncompliance with the related grant agreement and could result in loss of grant funding in future years. CAUSE: ROE management indicated required reports were not submitted or timely submitted due to oversight and competing priorities. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the ROE implement procedures to ensure adherence to the grant reporting requirements. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The ROE agrees with this finding. Previous management did not monitor grant compliance.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The ROE did not submit or timely submit the required reports to the Illinois State Board of Education. PLAN: New ROE management is providing close oversight for the timely submission of grant expenditure and performance reports. The Regional Superintendent has created a shared calendar of submission due dates with the Business Manager and Program Directors. Reminders are sent out via email in advance of the due dates, and then management reviews the grant report submissions in IWAS for accuracy and completion before approving and submitting to ISBE. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: This plan was initiated during the new Regional Superintendent’s appointment to office in October 2022 and has been fully implemented since January 2023. CONTACT PERSON: Ms. Jill Reedy, Regional Superintendent

Prior Finding References

2021-002, 2020-002, 2019-002

About Reporting →
2022-005
Cost Allowability

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 (ROE) procedure requires the Regional Superintendent or the Program Director to review and approve invoices and requisitions before forwarding to the business office for processing. The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the ROE to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the ROE is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure expenditures under Federal awards are supported, reviewed, and approved. CONDITION: The ROE did not ensure costs or expenditures were adequately documented, reviewed, and approved to ensure allowability under the federal award. CONTEXT: During testing of 60 expenditures totaling $471,516, we noted eight (13%) expenditures were not signed by the Program Director or Regional Superintendent to indicate review and approval of the expenditures. EFFECT: Inadequate controls of expenditures may result in unallowable costs charged to the Federal award. CAUSE: Expenditures were not signed by the Regional Superintendent or Program Director due to oversight. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the ROE ensures all expenditures are properly supported, reviewed, and approved prior to payment. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The ROE agrees with this finding. However, according to the ROE Employee Handbook (Fiscal Policies, page 16), updated and implemented in March 2021, monthly bills such as rent, phone, etc. did not require a requisition and were signed by the Business Manager. Reoccurring payments were approved with the contract lease agreement based on budgeted amounts.

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Regional Office of Education No. 39 (ROE) procedure requires the Regional Superintendent or the Program Director to review and approve invoices and requisitions before forwarding to the business office for processing. The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the ROE to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the ROE is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure expenditures under Federal awards are supported, reviewed, and approved. CONDITION: The ROE did not ensure costs or expenditures were adequately documented, reviewed, and approved to ensure allowability under the federal award. CONTEXT: During testing of 60 expenditures totaling $471,516, we noted eight (13%) expenditures were not signed by the Program Director or Regional Superintendent to indicate review and approval of the expenditures. EFFECT: Inadequate controls of expenditures may result in unallowable costs charged to the Federal award. CAUSE: Expenditures were not signed by the Regional Superintendent or Program Director due to oversight. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the ROE ensures all expenditures are properly supported, reviewed, and approved prior to payment. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The ROE agrees with this finding. However, according to the ROE Employee Handbook (Fiscal Policies, page 16), updated and implemented in March 2021, monthly bills such as rent, phone, etc. did not require a requisition and were signed by the Business Manager. Reoccurring payments were approved with the contract lease agreement based on budgeted amounts.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The ROE did not ensure costs or expenditures were adequately documented, reviewed, and approved to ensure allowability under the federal award. PLAN: Past practice and policy during the FY22 audit, allowed for the Business Manager to sign off on purchase orders and requisitions related to monthly, reoccurring bills. New management is working on updated fiscal policies. A new Accounts Payable employee was hired in March 2023 by ROE management and trained by the Business Manager, along with Program Directors, on procedures for expenditures. Procedures have been put into place to ensure that all expenditures are signed by the Program Director or Assistant/Regional Superintendent to indicate review and approval of expenditures. After being signed by a Program Director or Assistant/Regional Superintendent, the expenditure goes to the Business Office where the Business Manager will check for appropriate signatures and will pass on to Accounts Payable for a final check for appropriate signatures and supporting invoices prior to payment. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: This was implemented in March 2023. CONTACT PERSON: Ms. Jill Reedy, Regional Superintendent

About Allowable Costs / Cost Principles →
2022-006
Subrecipient Monitoring

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR § 200.332 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 (ROE) to ensure that every subaward is clearly identified to the subrecipient as a subaward and include information to comply with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. The required information includes the subrecipient’s name and unique entity identifier, assistance listing number, federal award date, federal awarding agency, etc. When some of this information is not available, the pass-through entity shall provide the best information available to describe the Federal award. The Code (2 CFR § 200.332 (f)) requires the ROE to verify every subrecipient is audited as required by Subpart F when it is expected that the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in 2 CFR § 200.501. The Code (2 CFR § 200.332 (d)) requires the ROE to monitor the activities of the subrecipient to ensure the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward, and that subaward performance goals are achieved. The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the ROE to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the ROE is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures over subrecipient monitoring. CONDITION: The ROE did not have adequate controls over subrecipient monitoring in compliance with the Code. CONTEXT: During our testing of four subrecipients, we noted the following: • The ROE did not communicate the required federal award information to all (100%) subrecipients to comply with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions at the start of the award. All the subaward agreements were signed and became effective after the start date of the grant. • The ROE did not verify whether subrecipients were required to be audited or not. • The ROE did not have written policies and procedures for subrecipient monitoring and could not provide evidence the ROE monitored its subrecipients during the audit period. EFFECT: Lack of controls over subrecipient monitoring may result in subrecipients not properly administering the federal programs in accordance with federal regulations. CAUSE: ROE management indicated this was due to oversight and staffing limitations. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the ROE establish and implement procedures over subrecipient monitoring. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The ROE agrees with this finding. The ROE did communicate federal award information to all subrecipients but failed to get the signature of Regional Office of Education No. 17 documenting their decline of the federal award and preference for ROE to manage the funds and services for their area.

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR § 200.332 (a)) requires the Regional Office of Education No. 39 (ROE) to ensure that every subaward is clearly identified to the subrecipient as a subaward and include information to comply with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. The required information includes the subrecipient’s name and unique entity identifier, assistance listing number, federal award date, federal awarding agency, etc. When some of this information is not available, the pass-through entity shall provide the best information available to describe the Federal award. The Code (2 CFR § 200.332 (f)) requires the ROE to verify every subrecipient is audited as required by Subpart F when it is expected that the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in 2 CFR § 200.501. The Code (2 CFR § 200.332 (d)) requires the ROE to monitor the activities of the subrecipient to ensure the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward, and that subaward performance goals are achieved. The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires the ROE to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the ROE is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures over subrecipient monitoring. CONDITION: The ROE did not have adequate controls over subrecipient monitoring in compliance with the Code. CONTEXT: During our testing of four subrecipients, we noted the following: • The ROE did not communicate the required federal award information to all (100%) subrecipients to comply with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions at the start of the award. All the subaward agreements were signed and became effective after the start date of the grant. • The ROE did not verify whether subrecipients were required to be audited or not. • The ROE did not have written policies and procedures for subrecipient monitoring and could not provide evidence the ROE monitored its subrecipients during the audit period. EFFECT: Lack of controls over subrecipient monitoring may result in subrecipients not properly administering the federal programs in accordance with federal regulations. CAUSE: ROE management indicated this was due to oversight and staffing limitations. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the ROE establish and implement procedures over subrecipient monitoring. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The ROE agrees with this finding. The ROE did communicate federal award information to all subrecipients but failed to get the signature of Regional Office of Education No. 17 documenting their decline of the federal award and preference for ROE to manage the funds and services for their area.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The ROE did not have adequate controls over subrecipient monitoring in compliance with the Code. PLAN: The ROE retroactively conducted monitoring of the subrecipients of the ARP - Social Emotional Learning grant passed through the ISBE. The subrecipients of this grant were all other ROEs in the Area IV hub (ROEs 9, 17, 32, and 54) with funds going out for administration costs. Since it is common knowledge that each ROE is audited annually by the Illinois Auditor General, further audit consideration was unnecessary. The ROE will draft subrecipient monitoring policies and procedures to align with standards. Future monitoring will be scheduled in December 2023. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: New policy and procedures implemented partially in FY23 and fully for FY24. CONTACT PERSON: Ms. Jill Reedy, Regional Superintendent

About Subrecipient Monitoring →
2022-007
Reporting

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR §200.510 (b)), establishes criteria and requirements related to the preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards.   The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires Regional Office of Education No. 39 (ROE) to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the ROE is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures over preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards. CONDITION: The ROE did not have sufficient internal controls over the preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) to ensure all federal expenditures during the fiscal year were reported and information in the SEFA was accurately reported. CONTEXT: During our review of the SEFA, we noted the following: • Program title descriptions were incorrect, and COVID-19-related grants were not properly identified in the program title. • Assistance listing numbers and pass-through grant numbers were incorrectly listed. • Federal expenditures did not match the expenditures in the general ledger. • Subrecipient expenditures were inappropriately reported on grants that did not actually have subrecipients: • The Education Stabilization Fund was not specifically categorized in the SEFA and the total federal awards expended for the program was not reported. The ROE subsequently revised its SEFA to correct these errors. EFFECT: Failure to report an accurate SEFA affects the required audit coverage to meet federal requirements and can delay an audit beyond the reporting deadline. CAUSE: Management indicated the errors on the SEFA was due to oversight. RECOMMENDATION: The ROE should establish and implement internal controls over preparation of the SEFA to ensure accurate reporting. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The ROE agrees with this finding.

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Full finding narrative

CRITERIA/SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT: The Code of Federal Regulations (Code) (2 CFR §200.510 (b)), establishes criteria and requirements related to the preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards.   The Code (2 CFR §200.303 (a)) requires Regional Office of Education No. 39 (ROE) to establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award to provide reasonable assurance the ROE is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures over preparation of the schedule of expenditures of federal awards. CONDITION: The ROE did not have sufficient internal controls over the preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) to ensure all federal expenditures during the fiscal year were reported and information in the SEFA was accurately reported. CONTEXT: During our review of the SEFA, we noted the following: • Program title descriptions were incorrect, and COVID-19-related grants were not properly identified in the program title. • Assistance listing numbers and pass-through grant numbers were incorrectly listed. • Federal expenditures did not match the expenditures in the general ledger. • Subrecipient expenditures were inappropriately reported on grants that did not actually have subrecipients: • The Education Stabilization Fund was not specifically categorized in the SEFA and the total federal awards expended for the program was not reported. The ROE subsequently revised its SEFA to correct these errors. EFFECT: Failure to report an accurate SEFA affects the required audit coverage to meet federal requirements and can delay an audit beyond the reporting deadline. CAUSE: Management indicated the errors on the SEFA was due to oversight. RECOMMENDATION: The ROE should establish and implement internal controls over preparation of the SEFA to ensure accurate reporting. MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE: The ROE agrees with this finding.

Corrective Action Plan

CONDITION: The ROE did not have sufficient internal controls over the preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) to ensure all federal expenditures during the fiscal year were reported and information in the SEFA was accurately reported. PLAN: The ROE will work with their contracted accounting firm to review financial statements, including the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, to ensure program titles, assistance listing numbers and other pertinent information is accurate for financial statement presentation. ANTICIPATED DATE OF COMPLETION: The anticipated date of completion is December 2023. CONTACT PERSON: Ms. Jill Reedy, Regional Superintendent

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