January 5, 2009
TO: Sponsors of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program
RE: Reminder concerning E-Rate Audits by the Federal Communications Commission
On October 15, 2008, the Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs sent seven USDA policy memos issued for National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) sponsors.
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7. Schools Program Policy Memo 29-2008  : Cooperation with Federal Communications Commission’s E-Rate Audits addresses the appropriateness of providing information to contractors auditing school districts’ receipt of funds under the Federal Communications Commission’s E-Rate fund. |
Schools Program Policy Memo 04-2009 also clarifies the sentence “Auditors cannot verify the accuracy of the [local educational agency’s] LEA’s determinations and cannot contact the household.” FCC auditors do not have the authority to conduct verification of applications for free/reduced price school meals. Therefore, FCC auditors cannot contact households or other sources (such as assistance agencies or employers) to confirm the information on the application.
However, auditors may:
- Ensure the information on the application was accurately processed; i.e., that the income and the number of persons in the household were totaled correctly and that the appropriate Income Eligibility Guideline was used;
- Confirm that the children listed on rosters as eligible for free or reduced price meals have approved applications on file; and
- Confirm that the number of children used for statistical purposes is based on approved applications.
Any discrepancies in these areas must be brought to the attention of the LEA. If you have questions, please contact me at (503) 947-5893.
Sincerely,
Heidi Dupuis
Manager, School Nutrition
Child Nutrition Programs
Office of Finance & Administration