Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Corruption Procedure

Purpose

In compliance with White House Executive Order 12731, the Irwin County School System provides all employees, clients, vendors, and individuals with confidential channels to report suspicious activities. The Irwin County School System shall not tolerate fraud, waste, abuse or corruption of any kind and has an established system for the reporting and investigating of suspicious activities.


Definitions

“Fraud” means the intentional deception perpetrated by an individual or individuals, or an organization or organizations, either internal or external to Irwin County Schools that could result in a tangible or intangible benefit to themselves, others, or the locality or could cause detriment to others or the locality. Fraud includes a false representation of a matter of fact, whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading statements, or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed, which deceives and is intended to deceive.

“Waste” means the intentional or unintentional, thoughtless or careless expenditure, consumption, mismanagement, use or squandering of resources owned or operated by the locality to the detriment or potential detriment of the locality. Waste also includes incurring unnecessary costs because of inefficient or ineffective practices, systems, or controls.

“Abuse” means the excessive or improper use of something, or the employment of something in a manner contrary to the natural or legal rules for its use; the intentional destruction, diversion, manipulation, misapplication, maltreatment, or misuse of resources owned or operated by the locality: or extravagant or excessive use so as to abuse one’s position or authority.

“Corruption” includes dishonest proceedings, bribery, debasement, alteration, or perversion of integrity.  Corruption threatens equal access, quantity and quality of education.

Examples of Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Corruption (Not all-inclusive)

  • Personal use of district-owned vehicles

  •  Long distance personal phone calls

  •  Personal use of district owned supplies or equipment

  •  Violations of system and/or state procurement policy

  • Excessive or unnecessary purchases

  • Falsification of official documents (timesheets, leave reports, travel vouchers, etc.)

  • Contract fraud

  • Serious abuse of time

  • Inappropriate expenditures

  • Embezzlement

  • Theft or misuse of school funds or property

  • Neglect of duty

  • Bribery

Statement of Administrative Regulations:

Any and all reports of suspicious activity and/or suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption, shall be investigated. The Irwin County School System shall not tolerate fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption of any kind, and any reported cases of suspected fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption will be thoroughly investigated to determine if disciplinary, financial recovery, and or criminal action should be taken.

Confidentiality

All reports of suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption must be handled under the strictest confidentiality. Only those directly involved in the investigation should be given information. Informants may remain anonymous but should be encouraged to cooperate with the investigators and should provide as much detail and evidence of alleged fraudulent act as possible.

 

Procedures and Responsibilities

1.   Anyone suspecting fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption whether it pertains to local, state, or federal programs, shall report his or her concerns to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee of the Irwin County Board of Education at 210 North Apple Street-PO Box 225, Ocilla, GA 31774. 

2.   Any employee with the Irwin County Board of Education (part-time staff, full-time staff and contractors) who receives a report of suspected fraudulent activity MUST report this information within the next business day. The employee should contact the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee at (229) -468-7485. Employees have the responsibility to report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse. All reports can be made in confidence.

3.   The Irwin County Board of Education or its designees shall conduct investigations of employees, providers, contractors, or vendors against which reports of suspicious activity are made. All investigations shall be thorough and complete in nature and shall occur in a prompt manner after the report is received.

4.   If necessary, the person reporting the fraudulent activity will be contacted for additional information.

5.   Periodic communication through meetings should emphasize the responsibilities and channels for reporting suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption.

6.   A hard copy of these Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Corruption Administrative Regulations shall be posted in a visible location at all schools and facilities and on the Irwin County Schools website. 

7.   A report shall be made to the Chairman of the Irwin County Board of Education if fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption is suspected of or by the Superintendent.

8.   Each employee shall review the document and will sign attesting that he or she has indeed received this information and understands its contents.


Complaint Procedure

Any individual, organization or agency (complainant) may file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) if that individual, organization or agency believes and alleges that violation of a federal statute or regulation that applies to a program under the Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) has occurred.  The complaint must allege a violation that occurred not more than one year prior to the date that the complaint is received, unless a longer period is reasonable because the violation is considered systemic or ongoing.

Parents or other stakeholders are expected to address complaints or grievances beginning at the school level with the teacher first and then the administration.  Central office personnel should be contacted next should the stakeholder feel the issues have not been resolved.  If still unsatisfied, the superintendent should be contacted.

 

   Federal Programs for Which Complaints Can Be Filed:

  1. Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies.

  2. Title I, Part B, Subpart 3: Even Start Family Literacy.

  3. Title I, Part C: Education of Migrant Children.

  4. Title I, Part D: Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk.

  5. Title II, Part A: Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund.

  6. Title II, Part D: Enhancing Education Through Technology.

  7. Title III, Part A: English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement.

  8. Title IV, Part B: 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

  9. Title VI, Part A, Subpart 1, Section 6111: State Assessment Program.

  10. Title VI, Part A, Subpart 1, Section 6112: Enhanced Assessment Instruments Competitive Grant Program.

  11. Title VI, Part B, Subpart 2: Rural and Low-Income Schools.

  12. Title IX, Part E, Subpart 1, Section 9503: Complaint Process for Participation of Private School Children.

  13. Title X, Part C – McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

 

A formal complaint may be filed in writing to the Superintendent or his/her designee using the form linked below.  If any complaint cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant has the right to request review of the decision by the Georgia Department of Education.

Complaint Form