Audit Objective 

Determine whether Chateaugay Central School District (District) officials claimed State aid for nonresident homeless students.

Key Findings 

District officials did not claim State aid totaling $145,164 for nonresident homeless students during the audit period because the Superintendent was not aware that the District could claim this aid. 

As a result, District taxpayers will not benefit from State aid totaling $62,920 because the filing deadlines have passed. The District may also lose the remaining $82,244 in State aid if officials do not properly submit claims for reimbursement by June 30, 2024. 

District officials did not establish policies and procedures to ensure State aid was claimed for nonresident homeless students. Officials also did not complete and maintain designation forms and submit them to the New York State Education Department (SED). 

Key Recommendations 

• Establish policies and procedures to ensure State aid claims are accurately prepared and submitted in a timely manner for all eligible nonresident homeless students.
• Complete, maintain and update designation forms and submit them to SED. 
• Monitor the homeless eligibility list and submit eligible claims for reimbursement in a timely manner.

District officials generally agreed with our recommendations and indicated they have begun to initiate corrective action.