Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to evaluate the District’s claims audit process and compliance with State legislation known as the Five Point Plan for the period July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

Background

The Fishers Island School District is located in the Town of Southold in Suffolk County. The District, which operates one school with approximately 70 students, is governed by an elected five-member Board of Education. Expenditures for the 2014-15 fiscal year totaled approximately $3.7 million.

Key Findings

• The Board did not develop written policies or procedures for claims processing.
• The Board did not ensure that the claims auditor reported directly to the Board.
• The Board has not established an audit committee because it was unaware of the requirement to do so.
• The District did not use a competitive request for proposal process when selecting its external audit firm.

Key Recommendations

• Develop and adopt written policies and procedures for claims processing.
• Ensure that the claims auditor reports directly to the Board.
• Establish and appoint an audit committee.
• Ensure that District officials issue an RFP for external audit services at least every five years.