Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
Randolph County Schools
Written procedures for Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Corruption
In compliance with White House Executive Order 12731, the Randolph County School System provides all employees and vendors with confidential channels to report suspicious activities. Randolph County School System has established a system for reporting and investigating suspicious activities.
DEFINITIONS
Fraud - the intentional deception perpetrated by an individual or individuals, or an organization or organizations, either internal or external to Randolph 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 - 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 - 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 - a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire personal benefit. Corruption may include many activities including bribery and embezzlement. Corruption occurs when an office-holder or other governmental employee acts in an official capacity for personal gain.
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
The Randolph County Board of Education thoroughly and expeditiously investigates any reported cases of suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption of any kind 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 or abuse, corruption concerning federal, state or local programs should report their concerns to the Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee of the Randolph County Board of Education at 98 School Dr., Cuthbert, GA 39840, or call (229) 732-3601.
2. Any employee with Randolph County Board of Education (temporary 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 is to contact the Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee at (229) 732-3601. Employees have the responsibility to report suspected fraud, waste or abuse. All reports can be made in confidence.
3. The Randolph 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 to report suspected fraud, waste, abuse or corruption.
6. A hard copy of these Fraud, Waste, Abuse, or Corruption Administrative Regulations and code of ethics shall be disseminated to all employees at the beginning of each school year. A hard copy will also be posted in a visible location at all schools/facilities and on the Randolph County Schools website (www.sowegak12.org) on the Federal Programs Web Page.
7. A report shall be made to the Randolph County Board of Education if fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption is suspected of or by the superintendent.
TITLE I WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE, AND CORRUPTION TRAINING
Title I provides Waste, Fraud, Abuse, and Corruption training annually to all RCBOE Faculty and Staff at the beginning of each school year. Agendas and sign-in sheets will be kept as documentation for this training.