State of Delaware

Office of Auditor of Accounts

Providence Creek Academy Charter School

Inspection
Issuance Date: January 27, 2016

R. Thomas Wagner, Jr., CFE, CGFM, CICA

Auditor of Accounts

State of Delaware
Office of Auditor of Accounts
R. Thomas Wagner, Jr., CFE, CGFM, CICA

At a Glance

Working Hard to Protect YOUR Tax Dollars

What We Found

Why We Did This Inspection

In the fall of 2014, AOA received
notification about suspicious activity
at Providence Creek Academy
Charter School (PCA). The
Department of Education had also
contacted AOA. In January 2015,
representatives from PCA met with
AOA to discuss inappropriate
handling of school funds by Shanna
Simmens, the former Finance and
Human Resources Manager.

This inspection was performed in

accordance with the Council of the
Inspectors General on Integrity and
Efficiency, Quality Standards for
Inspection and Evaluation.
For further information on this
release, please contact:
Kathleen A. Davies
Chief Administrative
Auditor/Deputy
CPA-PA, CISA, CGFM, CGAP,
CFE
[email protected]
(302) 857-3919

From July 1, 2011 through December 31, 2014, Providence Creek Academy
Charter School (PCA) lacked sufficient controls to prevent or detect various
improprieties and non-compliance in purchasing and payroll.
Oversight bodies passed on transactions that were in conflict with State policy
simply because local funds were used for payment. There was no mention of
any issues by SB & Company, LLC, the CPA firm contracted by PCA to
perform the financial statement audits. SB & Company, LLC issued unqualified
opinions with no findings on internal control or compliance over financial
reporting for fiscal years 2012, 2013, and 2014.
AOA found PCAs deficient fiscal operations and close network of personnel led
to a misuse of school funds. More than $11 thousand in transactions proved to
be for personal purchases such as utility payments, collections agencies, and
timeshare payments. An additional $20,609 remained unsubstantiated as
legitimate business purchases, but lacked definitive characteristics of personal
purchases.
Other areas of concern include unsupported salaries worth more than $215
thousand for individuals described as having a close relationship with the former
Finance and Human Resources Manager and direct reimbursements that were
entered or approved by an individual no longer employed at PCA.
Work is needed to improve PCAs operations. Charter Schools should utilize
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Internal Control
Framework as a guide to developing strong internal controls that support good
fiscal operations and help to deter fraud, waste, and abuse.
A clear and consistent message is needed from all state agencies about fiscal
accountability over charter school funds, including local funds.

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

Table of Contents
Background

Procedures and Results

11

Abbreviations
AOA
ATM
BAM
CMO
CSAC
CSTAM
DCSN
DOA
DOE
DSBA
FSF
JPMC
NSF
OMB
PCard
PE
PHRST

Table of Contents

Auditor of Accounts
Automated Teller Machine
Budget and Accounting Manual
Charter Management Organization
Charter School Accountability Committee
Charter School Technical Assistance Manual
Delaware Charter School Network
Division of Accounting
Department of Education
Delaware School Board Association
First State Financials
JPMorgan Chase
Non-Appropriated Special Funds
Office of Management and Budget
State Procurement Card
Personal Expense
Payroll/Human Resource Statewide Technology

ii

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

Background
Providence Creek Academy Charter School, Inc. (PCA), a charter school within the State of
Delaware (State), offers instruction for students, grades kindergarten through eighth. PCA focuses
on academics, athletics, and arts for their students, allowing teachers to educate the whole child.
PCAs website proclaims that PCA is a close-knit family in which communication is constant and
always evolving. 1
PCA opened its doors in 2002, upon approval of its charter by the State Department of Education
(DOE). PCAs charter authorizes the school to enroll up to 669 students. 2
According to their Bylaws, PCA shall not have less than five or more than seven members on the
board. The directors, with the exception of the parent and educator Directors, are appointed for a
five year term, or until resignation or removal. Terms shall be staggered so that no more than 1/3
of the Board shall be up for appointment in any year, unless a vacancy (ies) needs to be filled. The
board should include at least one parent of a student enrolled at the school and at least one
educator currently employed by PCA. The parent and educator Directors are for one year and
may be reappointed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors
annually elects the officers (e.g. President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer).
Although the Board of Directors has responsibility for the management of a charter school, they
may elect to contract with an outside Charter Management Organization (CMO), for assistance.
PCA has not employed a CMO to manage the schools financial information since July 2003.
PCA receives State and local funds appropriated through the Annual Appropriations Act (Budget
Bill), and from local school districts based on an annual pupil count performed every September
30. PCA may also receive federal funding directly from the federal government or as a pass
through from the State, as well as private gifts and donations.
Refer to Table 1 below for a list of funding received by PCA as stated in their annual financial
statement audit reports.

Table 1: Revenue Received Reported by PCA 3

Source

FY 2012

Revenues from School

Districts
Payments from Primary
Government
Operating Grants and
Contributions
Charges for Services
Other Revenue
Total

$
694,575

FY 2013
$

832,121

FY 2014
$

937,939

4,715,279

4,823,730

5,094,018

543,025
687,704
295,900
6,936,483

307,643
653,675
6,680,169

239,777
516,736
6,788,470

This information was obtained from Providence Creek Academys website at http://www.pcasaints.org/.
This information was obtained from DOEs website at http://dedoe.schoolwires.net/Page/1910.
3
As stated in PCAs audited financial statements.
2

Background

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

Charter School Oversight and Governance

DOE has the authority to define the application and approval criteria for charter schools. 4 DOE is
required by 14 Del. C. 511(a) to present applicants seeking a charter with a charter contract that
clearly defines the respective roles, powers, and responsibilities of the school and the approving
authority and incorporates the provisions of the performance agreement entered into between the
charter school and its approving authority
In addition, 14 Del. C. 510 also states that DOE:
(a) shall distribute information announcing the availability of the charter school program,
explaining the powers and responsibilities of a charter school contained in this chapter, and
describing the application process to each school district and public post-secondary
educational institution, and through press releases to each major newspaper in the State.
(b) shall provide technical assistance to potential charter school applicants upon request.
(c) shall provide technical and other forms of assistance to charter schools on the same basis
as to school districts.
(d) shall, in concert with the approving authority and the applicant, apply for available federal
or foundation grants providing funding for the planning and start-up of charter schools and
DOE shall administer such funds as may be appropriated by the General Assembly for the
purpose of assisting in the planning and start-up of charter schools.
The charter school applications are submitted to and approved by either public school districts or
DOE. 5 The approving authority is then charged with oversight of the charter school and is also
required to conduct financial, programmatic, or compliance reviews no less than every three years. 6
This was confirmed by a DOE representative who stated, Pursuant to 14 Del. Code 515(a), the
Department of Education is responsible for the oversight of the charter schools it approves. This
responsibility includes review of financial transactions and board oversight.
Each year DOE shall prepare a report for the Governor, the General Assembly, and the State
Board of Education on the success or failure of charter schools and propose changes in state law
necessary to improve or change the charter school program. 7

Charter School Accountability Committee (CSAC)

The CSAC is formed by the approving authority of a charter school after the approving authority
has reached a decision to review an application or has initiated a formal review of a charter school.
As outlined in 14 Del. C. 515, the CSAC functions as follows:
(b) ... the approving authority may notify a charter school of potential violations of its charter
and submit the charter to formal review to determine whether the charter school is
violating the terms of its charter and whether to order remedial measures pursuant to [14
Del. C. 515 (f)].

Per 14 Del. C. 505(b)

Per 14 Del. C. 511(c)
6
Per 14 Del. C. 513(c) and 14 Del. C. 515(a)
7
Per 14 Del. C. 514
5

Background

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

(c) an accountability committee appointed by the approving authority shall conduct the initial
review pursuant to [14 Del. C. 515 (b)]. The accountability committee's reports to the
approving authority shall address the relevant criteria set forth in [14 Del. C. 512 and
516]. The committee shall meet with the applicant in the course of its investigation and
provide the applicant the opportunity to review and comment on the committee's initial
report 15 days before it is issued to the approving authority. The committee's final report
shall be provided to the applicant, the approving authority, and made available to the
public.
(d) If the accountability committee's report presents probable grounds for remedial measures,
the approving authority shall hold public hearings to assist in its decision whether the
criteria set forth for remedial action in [14 Del. C. 516] have been satisfied, after giving
the charter school 15 days' notice. The school shall be given the opportunity to respond to
the accountability committee's final report at the hearing. Members of the public shall be
given the opportunity to comment at the hearing.
(e) If the accountability committee's report asserts that the school has complied with its charter
and the criteria set forth in [14 Del. C. 512], the approving authority shall approve or
disapprove the final report's conclusion at a public meeting after giving the charter school
15 days' notice. If the approving authority disapproves the report, it shall identify the
reasons for that decision with particularity. Thereafter, the approving authority shall hold a
hearing, within 30 days, to assist in its decision of the appropriate remedy pursuant to [14
Del. C. 515 (f)].
According to DOE personnel, each approving authority has their own CSAC; therefore, if DOE
holds the charter, they select the members of the committee. Likewise, if Red Clay Consolidated
School District holds a charter, they have their own CSAC. DOE personnel also stated that they
generally try to hold at least one public hearing for a particular charter school in the county where
the school is located.

Technical Assistance from DOE

Prior to July 2014, DOE provided charter schools with a Charter School Technical Assistance
Manual (CSTAM), detailing DOE programs and services, State administrative and financial
systems, charter school law, evaluation of charter schools, and more. In July 2014, DOE replaced
the CSTAM with the Charter School Reference Manual, which provides, at best, contacts for
various agencies and departments but does not provide sufficient guidance to charter schools with
regards to day-to-day operations. DOE explained that this replacement was made in response to
charter school leaders contacting DOE with questions regarding operations, as opposed to utilizing
the large CSTAM, which DOE claimed was out of date at the time of replacement. DOEs
Charter School Office stated that charter schools may seek guidance, comparable to that provided
in the CSTAM, in DOEs Organizational Performance Framework Guidance, which has been in
effect since September 2014.

Organizational Performance Framework Guidance

DOEs Organizational Performance Framework Guidance begins by stating that Charter
schools are public entities that must maintain the publics trust as they are implementing

Background

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

their education program, spending public funds responsibly, practicing sound governance,
and adhering to laws and charter requirements regarding employees, students, and the
school environment. In addition, the Organizational Performance Framework Guidance
provides requirements for charter schools with applicable Delaware Code references,
including the following:

A check register shall be posted on the charters website in accordance with 14 Del. C.
1509.
The charter schools financial and administrative operations must meet or exceed the
same standards, procedures, and requirements as a school districtand adhere to the
accounting standards in the Budget and Accounting Manual.
The charter school must develop a Citizen Budget Oversight Committee (CBOC) in
compliance with the requirements of 14 Del. C. 1508
Board members must comply with training requirements of 14 Del. C. 512(15)
which includes financial responsibility training required by 14 Del. C. 1803.

DOE's Delaware Financial Performance Framework report for Providence Creek

Academy provided an overall rating of 'Meets Standard' for Fiscal Years 2013 and 2014.

Board of Directors

As with public schools throughout the State, charter schools are managed by a Board of
Directors, which should be independent of any school board. According to the State
Administrative and Financial Systems section of the CSTAM, the Board of Directors for each
charter school is to assume responsibility for the receipt and disbursement of public funds and
all responsibilities associated with State employment. 8
When a charter school is organized, the approving authority reviews the charter to determine
that the founding board is qualified to start and operate a charter school. 9 PCAs Bylaws speak
to how future board members are selected.
Charter School Funding
Charter schools consistently receive instruction from DOE, Division of Accounting (DOA), and
OMB that they may use their local funds as they deem appropriate, which is inconsistent with laws
and regulations. In addition, we were provided with correspondence from DOA to a charter
school stating that if an agency does not meet an exception for food related purposes [in the
BAM] but pays for the event out of local funds and not state funds, that is an acceptable practice.
The misconception that local funds received from the taxpayers are not considered State money
is included in Section 3.2 of the Budget and Accounting Manual (BAM), issued by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB), which states donations, gifts, local school funds, and various

This section of the CSTAM provides DOEs interpretation and summary of the 138th General Assembly's Senate
Bill 200, Chapter 179, also referred to as the Charter School Act of 1995, which created charter school legislation
(14 Del. C., c. 5).
9
14 Del. C. 512(1)

Background

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

trust funds are examples of [non-appropriated special fund 10 (NSF)] monies. NSF is not
considered State monies. However, allowing state agencies the latitude to manage these state
funds that are not included in the States Operating and Capital Budget process 11 does not relieve
the State from accounting for these funds. Local funds are all held in the States pooled cash
account, maintained by the Office of the State Treasurer and accounted for in the State-wide
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and are therefore considered State money.
Regardless of the classification of the funds, charter schools have a responsibility to be fiscally
prudent in their spending.
Charter School Legislation
As stated in 14 Del. C. 501, charter schools were created to provide an alternative to
traditional public schools operated by public school districts and improve public education overall
by establishing a system of independent charter schools throughout the State. Several
requirements are listed in 14 Del. C. c 5 that explain how charter schools may operate. The
requirements applicable to our inspection include, but are not limited to:

Charter schools may not charge tuition or collect fees not permitted to be assessed by
other school districts. (14 Del. C. 506 (a)(1))
Any public funds received by a charter school may be used for current operations, minor
capital improvements, debt service payments or tuition payments. (14 Del. C. 509 (g))
If State funds are allocated to a charter school for extra time, professional development,
driver education or disciplinary programs, the school shall provide such programs. (14
Del. C. 509 (i))
Charter school board members and founders shall be required to complete criminal
background checks in a manner consistent with 11 Del. C. 8571 (a). (14 Del. C. 511 (r))
All charter schools shall operate within the States official financial management system,
which includes First State Financials (FSF) and Payroll/Human Resource Statewide
Technology (PHRST), and be subject to all of the same policies and procedures which
govern other agencies operating within such systems. If a charter school chooses to
operate outside of the State retirement system established by 29 Del. C. c. 55, they must
execute a memorandum of understanding with specified parties. (14 Del. C. 512(9))
Charter school employees are considered State employees since their compensation is
processed in PHRST. AOA confirmed with PHRST that all charter schools operate on
the States retirement system.

A letter from the Attorney Generals Office dated July 30, 2007, which was reaffirmed in
subsequent updates, states, Delaware charter schools are subject to the State procurement laws
set forth in Chapter 69 of Title 29 of the Delaware Code... as there is no statutory provision that
exempts a charter school from following these laws. Government Support Services, the State
agency responsible for oversight of State procurement, established statewide central contracts with
vendors who typically establish a listing of items available for purchase. However, there are times
an item needed by a charter school is not available on the central purchasing list. For example, an
10

Section 3.2 of the BAM defines NSF funds as a special fund type with no legislative spending limits. Generally, any monies
on hand may be expended, yet encumbrances may only be made against actual cash receipts.
11

Also referred to as the Annual Appropriations Act or commonly referred to as the Budget Bill.

Background

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

art teacher is not likely to find specific art supplies purchased on the Staples purchasing list. If a
purchase like this were to occur, it should not usurp the procurement requirements for
professional services, sole source procurement, etc.
Also, 29 Del. C. 6505(c) prevents the use of State funding for purchases such as gratuities,
greeting cards, flowers, or tickets to athletic events.
A charter is subject to revocation or probation, after the exercise of due diligence and good faith,
for the following reasons:
The school, or its representatives, has committed a material fraud on the approving
authority or misappropriated federal, state or local funds; or
The school fails to comply with its charter or to satisfy, in its operation of the school, the
criteria set forth in 14 Del. C. 512.
If the approving authority determines that the criteria for remedial action set forth above is
satisfied, it may revoke the charter and manage the school directly until alternative arrangements
are made. 12
The Budget and Accounting Manual 13
Section 1.7 of the BAM defines organizations as [State] agencies (both merit and non-merit),
school districts, charter schools, and higher education. Given this definition, charter schools
within the State are thereby required to abide by the policies and procedures in the BAM, unless
otherwise specified in the Delaware Code or throughout the BAM. In addition, charter schools, as
is with all departments and agencies within the State, should establish their own policies and
procedures which include the schools process for evaluating risk and monitoring compliance. No
State organization can satisfy good internal controls by relying exclusively on the BAM.

State Procurement Card (PCard)

The State, through DOA, has contracted with JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) Bank to provide State
organizations with a Visa card program for procurement and/or travel purchases. The State is
able to manage the PCard program through JPMCs online card administration software. 14
The State is liable for use of the PCard; therefore, only State employees are eligible to
participate in the PCard program. Employees may enroll in the program, without the
completion of a credit check, by completing a PCard Enrollment Request form and receiving
proper approval from their organization.
Chapter 12 of the BAM provides rules governing the PCard, and all PCard transactions must
comply with accounting procedures and State laws governing purchases. Section 12.4.1 places
restrictions on PCard usage and specifically states that it is not to be used for personal or
unauthorized purchases, such as alcoholic beverages or other expenses not authorized for State
12

14 Del. C. 515 (f)

The Budget and Accounting Manual is updated frequently throughout the year without any notice to the users, and
the Office of Management and Budget does not maintain an archive of previous versions. Therefore, AOA used the
following versions during our inspection: Chapter 1 version 2.9, Chapter 3 version 2.8, Chapter 7 version 4.24,
Chapter 11 version 4.19, and Chapter 12 version 5.8.
14
Section 12.1 of the BAM
13

Background

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

business. Splitting purchases into multiple charges, or combining charges from several PCards,
to circumvent purchase limits or State procurement law is strictly prohibited. The BAM also
states, The PCard may not be used to charge expenses for family members or others who may
be accompanying the employee on official State business, even if the intention is to reimburse
the State. 15
Any cardholder who intentionally makes unauthorized purchases or accidentally uses the
PCard is liable for the total dollar amount of such unauthorized transactions and would be
subject to both disciplinary and criminal actions for those transactions. Any personal or
unauthorized transactions must be reimbursed by the employee within 30 days of the
transaction, and a copy of the reimbursement check and deposit slip should be filed with the
monthly PCard statements in case of an audit.
The BAM also details each organizations PCard monitoring requirements. Regardless of the
reason or type of purchase, all PCard receipts must be kept for reconciliation purposes. PCard
activity is included in FSF and is to be reconciled in accordance with charter school policies
and procedures. 16

Additional Credit Cards

Section 7.5.8 of the BAM states that credit cards may not be registered in the name of the
employee, agency, school district, or State which could create an obligation of the State, except
as specifically and duly authorized by the Secretary of Finance. AOA confirmed with Secretary
Cook that the Department of Finance has not approved any charter schools to hold credit
cards aside from the State PCard. However, there may be some instances where a credit card
(e.g. Home Depot) with a very small limit (e.g. $200) is necessary for minimal purchases.
Secretary Cook agreed that there are certainly instances for latitude, but there needs to be a
process in place and an accountability system [to ensure funds are spent properly].

Travel Policy

Chapter 11 of the BAM discusses the States policies surrounding authorized travel expenses
incurred while conducting State business. Each organizations management is responsible for
control over and approval of travel-related expenditures. Organizations internal controls must
include policies covering the designation of approval authorities for travel expenditures.
Chapter 11 of the BAM specifically exempts the Legislative Branch, Judicial Branch, and
School Districts. 17 The scope of the States travel policy, as stated in Section 11.1.2 of the
BAM, does not specifically exempt charter schools; therefore, charter schools must follow all
policies relating to travel for State business.
The travel policy discusses topics such as appropriate per diem expenses, meals and
incidentals, and travel expense reimbursements. Further, all out-of-state travel that extends
beyond one day shall be detailed on the Out-of-State Travel Authorization Form. The
authorization form should be properly submitted and approved prior to traveling.
15

Section 12.4.1.4 of the BAM

According to section 12.2.3 of the BAM, organizations are required to indicate reconciliation procedures,
including the frequency, which may be no less than monthly.
17
AOA confirmed with an OMB representative responsible for the BAM that the school district exemption includes
only the 19 Delaware public school districts because they are able to use local funds to cover travel expenses.
16

Background

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

Personal Expense Reimbursements

Although the PCard is OMBs preferred choice for travel expenses, direct reimbursement is
also acceptable. Delawares travel policy states that in cases where the PCard was not used for
travel-related expenses, those expenses would be reimbursed using a Personal Expense
Reimbursement (PE) voucher. 18 The BAM is silent on employee reimbursements for nontravel related expenses.

Food Consumed In-State

19

State employees shall not be provided or reimbursed for food consumed in-state during
normal working hours, with the exception of the following:

Employees of State agencies who regularly receive wages-in-kind in addition to their

salaries;
Employees of the Delaware Economic Development Office;
Food provided as part of employee recognition events as established by 29 Del. C. 5950;
Food provided during agency training events held away from the agencys home location
State Police recruits during the period of their training; or
Circumstances where the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the
Controller General has granted approval.

Gift Cards

20

Cash advances, which include any instance where funds are disbursed prior to the receipt of
goods or services, are strictly prohibited. Examples of cash advances include, but are not
limited to, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) withdrawals, money orders, and gift cards.
Delaware Archives Guidance
The Delaware Code 21 states that it shall be the responsibility of every public official and employee
to:
1. Adequately document the transaction of public business and the services and programs for
which such persons are responsible;
2. Retain and adequately protect all public records in their custody; and
3. Cooperate with the Delaware Public Archives and records officers in the establishment and
maintenance of an active and continuous program for the economical and efficient
management of public records.
A "public record" is defined by 29 Del. C. 502 (7) as any document, paper, or other material
regardless of physical form or characteristics, including electronic records collected or received
in connection with the transaction of public business or in any way related to public purposes by
any officer or employee of this State or any political subdivision thereof.

18

Section 7.6.6.1 of the BAM

29 Del. C. 5112 and Section 7.6.6.2 of the BAM
20
Section 7.2.2 of the BAM
21
29 Del. C. 504
19

Background

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

Archives retention schedule for school districts states that the records related to the processing of
accounting and financial records should be retained for five years. The retention instructions state
that these documents are to be retained at the agency until a successful audit, and then are to be
transferred to the State Records Center for the remainder of the retention period. After the fifth
year, the records are allowed to be destroyed.
Charter Schools Relationship to the State Discretely Presented Component Unit 22
Charter schools are organized as a separate legal entity under the Delaware Corporation Law; 23
however, they are fiscally dependent upon the State because they do not have the power to levy
taxes or set tuition rates or charges. 24 As a result, the analysis performed by AOA in July 2015
revealed that charter schools are considered a discretely presented component unit of the State.
This means that, while 14 Del. C. 513(a) requires each charter school to have an annual audit of
their individual financial statements, the financial activities of all the charter schools are reported
collectively in a separate column in the States Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
The Delaware Charter School Network (DCSN) 25
According to their website, the DCSN is a non-profit organization created in 2001 as Delawares
statewide charter support organization. By collecting donations from foundations and members
across the State, the DCSN is able to serve over 11,000 children in 21 charter schools and provide
essential services to all levels of public charter schools boards, leaders, staff, and parents. The
DCSN strives to help improve and expand existing schools, encourage the creation of new
charters, and ensure that all of Delawares charter schools remain accountable and high
performing.
According to FSF, the DSCN received the following amounts from charter schools throughout the
State for each fiscal year ending June 30:
Fiscal Year 2013
$ 90,082.50a

Table 2: State Money Paid to DSCN

Fiscal Year 2014 Fiscal Year 2015
$ 79,009.00b

$ 141,991.50

Grand Total
$ 311,083.00

Includes $50.00 paid from the Department of Education department ID

b Includes $365.00 paid from the Education Block Grants department ID
a

DSCNs Executive Director explained that Delawares charter schools are able to become a part of
DCSN if they so choose. DCSN provides support for their member schools and advocates on
their behalf.

22

Per analysis performed in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 14,
as amended by GASB Statement No. 61. The detailed analysis is available on AOAs website at
http://www.auditor.delaware.gov/gasb_61/FY16/Entity%20Determination%20Memo%20%20Charter%20Schools%2006_30_15.pdf.
23
14 Del. C. 504(a)
24
14 Del. C. 503 and 14 Del. C. 506(a)(1)
25
http://www.decharternetwork.org/, as of May 22, 2015

Background

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

Delaware School Board Association (DSBA) 26

According to their website, the DSBA is an association created to encourage and foster equity of
thought and action of Delaware school boards and to further educational interests in the State.
One of the primary duties of the DSBA is to study school needs and solicit the appropriate
legislative support to provide those needs. The DSBA provide[s] on-going board member
training, facilitates policy research, assists with superintendent selection processes, provides
guidelines for board and superintendent evaluations, and serves as a liaison with other educational
organizations.
Membership to the DSBA is optional and members pay dues based on their September 30 unit
count as detailed in Table 3:
Table 3: Delaware School Board Association Dues
Number of Units
Dues per Unit
1-50
$52.00
51-100
$39.00
101-150
$26.00
151 or more
$13.00
Based on payments in FSF, only a handful of charter schools participated with the DSBA during
Fiscal Year 2014 and Fiscal Year 2015. There were no payments to the DSBA from charter
schools during Fiscal Year 2013.

26

http://edsba.org/, as of June 30, 2015

Background

10

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

Procedures and Results

In the fall of 2014, AOA received notification about suspicious activity at Providence Creek
Academy (PCA). The Department of Education also contacted AOA. In January 2015,
representatives from Providence Creek Academy met with AOA to discuss inappropriate handling
of school funds by Shanna Simmens, the former Finance and Human Resources Manager who
was terminated in December 2014.
AOA identified a lack of controls surrounding the schools State Procurement Card (PCard),
including Ms. Simmens role in reconciling her own PCard transactions for a three month period,
from January to April of Fiscal Year 2014. 27 Additionally, the schools PCard was not maintained
in a secure location.
One employee also expressed concerns of the security of school records. The employee detailed
the various ways to enter the school building without being recorded on the surveillance cameras,
allowing individuals to remove items they do not want discovered.
PCA paid SB & Company, LLC, an external audit firm from Hunt Valley, Maryland, a total of
$40,000 to perform the annual financial statement audits for fiscal years 2012, 2013, and 2014.
These reports contain unqualified audit opinions and no findings on internal controls and
compliance over financial reporting.
The balance of the report outlines additional problems found at PCA.
Questionable Purchases at PCA
Table 1: Summary of Questionable Purchases
State Purchasing Cards (PCards)
Vouchers
Grand Total

$
$

Personal
11,743.10
11,743.10

Unverifiable
17,958.93
2,650.44

20,609.37

Personal PCard Purchases

AOA identified $11,743.10 worth of personal expenditures made by Ms. Simmens using the state
PCard, as illustrated in Table 2 below. AOA reviewed all available receipts to determine the
nature of the items purchased.
Table 2: Personal PCard Purchases
July 1, 2012 December 31, 2014
Category
Total per Category
Collections Agency
Dental
Groceries

590.83
600.00
84.14

27

The PCard was reconciled by one PCA employee from 7/22/13 until the end of their employment on 12/31/13. The next
employee did not assume this role until 4/1/14, leaving Ms. Simmens to reconcile her own PCard transactions during this three
month period.

Procedures and Results

11

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

In-State Meals 28
Las Vegas Trip (see Table 3)
Rehabilitation Services
Timeshare
Traffic Violations
Travel
Utilities

859.97
1,122.75
4,200.00
872.00
362.00
25.00
3,026.41

Total Personal Purchases

11,743.10

Additional details on items from Table 2 are outlined below:

Collections Agency The payment was for real estate taxes and other fees on an account that
listed both Ms. Simmens and her relative as the consumer.

Dental This amount entails a $600.00 charge to an orthodontics business in Dover,

Delaware.

Groceries Grocery charges include various trips to Wawa convenience stores in Smyrna and
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Las Vegas Trip Four PCA representatives attended the 2014 National Charter School

Conference, and arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada three days in advance. The unallowable out-ofstate travel expenses incurred are detailed in Table 3 below and were not properly approved
through the States required Travel Authorization Form. 29 Further, the school could not
provide a valid reason for extending their trip.
Table 3: Unallowable Las Vegas Charges
Category
Beach Admission
Beverages
Comedy Club Tickets
Surf Shop Retail
Total Unallowable Las Vegas Charges

Amount
227.00
517.03
273.60
105.12
1,122.75

Beach Admission Payment for beach admission at the Mandalay Bay Resort and

Casino.

Beverages This includes $314.03 in beverages from the hotels Bikini Bar and
Island Lounge. The remaining $203.00 is for alcohol charges at two restaurants for
Sambuccas, Jimador Silvers, Captain Morgans, mojitos, Bud Lights, and Coronas.
Comedy Club Tickets Purchase of 4 tickets to the MGM Brad Garrett Comedy
Club.

28
29

Prohibited by 29 Del. C. 5112 and Sections 7.6.6.2 & 11.4.4 of the BAM.
Required by Section 11.1.3 of the BAM.

Procedures and Results

12

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

Surf Shop Retail Souvenirs purchased at the retail gift shop.

Rehabilitation Charge Ms. Simmens used the schools PCard to pay $4,200 for a current

PCA employees inpatient rehabilitation treatment. PCA staff confirmed Ms. Simmens had a
close relationship with this employee. Upon further review, AOA found the employee did not
use any leave during this seven week period and also continued to receive routine bi-weekly
payroll payments of $1,790.89.

Timeshare - AOA confirmed Ms. Simmens spent $356.00 on a timeshare renewal and an
additional $516.00 to upgrade to a platinum membership with a timeshare company.

Traffic Violations This includes a parking violation Ms. Simmens received for parking her
vehicle in a reserved handicap spot, resulting in a $215.50 fine.

Travel This charge is an overnight parking fee at a Philadelphia Doubletree Hotel. AOA
confirmed Ms. Simmens and her relative stayed over the weekend; however, this was not a
school-related trip.

Utilities AOA identified $3,026.41 in payments to Comcast and Town of Clayton utility
30

accounts that were not associated with PCA. After thoroughly reviewing the payments, AOA
found Ms. Simmens personal address matched the service address on the Town of Clayton
invoices.

Unverifiable Purchases

In addition to the $11,743.10 in personal purchases reported above, AOA was unable to identify
whether an additional $20,609.37 worth of purchases were for a valid school purpose. Conversely,
we were unable to obtain sufficient evidence to classify the purchases as personal. Table 4 below
illustrates the total amount of unverifiable purchases between July 1, 2012 and December 31,
2014.
Table 4: Unverifiable Purchases
July 1, 2012 December 31, 2014

Category
Auto Maintenance
Board Dinners
Business Technology Support
Building Maintenance
Calling Card
Electronics
Floral
Fuel
Groceries
Heating and Cooling
In-State Meal
Internet Service
30

PCard
$

91.22
93.24
797.49
374.63
22.00
5,915.43
59.92
79.84
69.61
239.69
2,356.99
12.00

Vouchers
$

2,650.44
-

Total per
Category
$

91.22
93.24
797.49
374.63
22.00
5,915.43
59.92
2,730.28
69.61
239.69
2,356.99
12.00

PCA staff confirmed the school does not use Comcast for any services.

Procedures and Results

13

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

Photography
Postage
Retail
Taxes
Tolls
Travel
Unknown
Utilities

Total per Account

116.00
9.99
4,900.78
25.00
230.00
482.50
33.78
2,048.82
17,958.93

2,650.44

116.00
9.99
4,900.78
25.00
230.00
482.50
33.78
2,048.82
20,609.37

Additional details on items from Table 4 are outlined below:

Business Technology Support PCA did not have any supporting documentation on file for

this vendor located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. When questioned, Ms. Simmens stated it
was for a purchase of an LCD projector for a classroom. AOA found that Honeybee Tech
Ventures does not sell merchandise.

Calling Card This purchase was for an international Bermuda calling card.
Fuel $2,650.44 was paid to Louisiana State University through the states voucher system.

The voucher description read Fuel; however, PCA did not have any record or recollection of
this purchase or any involvement with the university.

Retail This category included frequent purchases from Amazon and Walmart that couldnt
be validated as school supplies.

School Related Purchases Not in Compliance with State Policy

In addition, PCA leaders frequently spent funds on restaurant meals and dinners for school
activities. The school spent $4,929.86 on meals from Pats Pizzeria from July 1, 2012 to
December 31, 2014 alone. On top of that, $10,573.78 was spent on student activity meals, flowers
to staff, and teacher appreciation gifts, all of which are prohibited by the Delaware Code and
Budget and Accounting Manual. 31
More than $215,395 in Unsupported Payroll Expenses
PCA made several payroll payments, in addition to regular salary payments, that lacked adequate
support to identify the reason for the payment. PCA could not provide support for 22 of 92
payments in addition to the employees regular salary, totaling $52,027.37. Of the unsupported
payments, 9 payments totaling $26,950 were made without Board approval.
PCA was also unable to provide a contract, timesheets, or an hourly rate approval for 7 of the 42
annual salaries reviewed by AOA, totaling $163,367.56 in unsupported payroll costs.

31

Prohibited by 29 Del. C. 5112, 29 Del. C. 6505(c), and Sections 7.2.2, 7.6.6.2, and 12.4.1(2)(c) of the BAM.

Procedures and Results

14

State of Delaware

Providence Creek Academy Inspection

Direct Reimbursements 32

AOA reviewed 41 direct reimbursements, totaling $24,320.21, paid by PCA during the period July
1, 2012 through December 31, 2014. We found that 23 of the 41 reimbursements reviewed,
totaling $17,426.80, violated State policy.
Of the 23 reimbursements, 17, totaling $16,532.66, were not supported in accordance with 29 Del.
C. 6504 which requires that State agencies maintain details, including bills, statements, letters,
vouchers, and documents, for all expenditures incurred by the agency. This includes two
reimbursements paid to one employee, totaling $1,800, for a stipend, which should have been paid
through PHRST to properly account for taxes on the employees wages. One of these transactions
worth $900 was entered and approved by an individual who was not employed by the school, as
described below.
Finally, we found that an additional 6 of the 23 reimbursements, totaling $894.14, were entered in
First State Financials by an individual who was no longer employed by the school when the
payments were processed. The State of Delaware Information Technology Policy states that all
personnel must treat access credentials as private and highly confidential, and these IDs may not
be utilized by anyone other than the individual to whom they have been issued. PCA personnel
confirmed that the former employees First State Financials credentials were used by the school
without the individuals knowledge. According to school personnel, the former employees
supervisor, Shanna Simmens, was the only employee with access to her credentials.
Records Retention
AOA also found violations of the Records Retention Schedule issued by the Delaware Public
Archives under the authority of 29 Del. C. 524. The Records Retention Schedule for Accounting
and Financial Records stipulates that financial records including, but not limited to, Payment
Vouchers, Purchase Orders, Intergovernmental Vouchers, Expenditure Corrections, Reports of
Cash Receipts, Personal Expense Reimbursements, and Deposit Slips, should be retained at the
agency for five years or until a successful audit, at which time the records should then be
transferred to the State Records Center for the remainder of the retention period. After the five
year retention period, the records can then be destroyed. 33

32
33

Direct reimbursements are paid to State employees for services provided by the employee or travel expenses for state business.
School District General Records Retention Schedule (Accounting and Financial Records) issued by Delaware Public Archives.

Procedures and Results

15