External Assurance
Overview
A review by the staff of External Assurance includes the audit of State Categoricals and fiscal/programmatic compliance review of State and Federal Grants.
Districts are selected for review based on the need to meet regulatory cycles and through a risk-based selection process that includes the district's geographics and size. Sources of revenue for districts are also selected for review based upon risk analysis.
Districts will be notified of an upcoming review by the receipt of an announcement letter which is sent 45 days in advance. Staff also calls in advance to arrange a mutually acceptable time and date. To be prepared for your review, you may also wish to review the checklist and list of "Proof Indicators" to know what records and documents will be needed to prepare for the visit.
In FY09 districts will also be required to complete a self-monitoring review for NCLB programs through the IWAS system. There will be links to the federal guidelines, rules and regulations that govern the grants. A crosswalk between the NCLB required policies/procedures and those provided by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) on a subscription basis is provided here. A sample of a completed Monitoring Instrument is available here. The previous year's data will load for those of you who have completed this last year. You can then update only those portions that have changed. The deadline for submitting was 11/30/2008.
In FY09 districts will be using the electronic resource for the annual NCLB Title I Comparability analysis. This submittal deadline was 11/30/2008. The form can be submitted electronically and is available through the IWAS system. Instructions on completing and filing your comparability analysis are available here or in the IWAS system. There are changes to the FY09 directions you will want to pay particular attention to. Direct your questions to Paul Williams at 217/782-7970 or e-mail pwilliam@isbe.net
Title I Comparability instructions and forms
