January 27, 2016

Dover, Del. – State Auditor R. Thomas Wagner, Jr.’s Office performed an inspection of the Providence Creek Academy Charter School (PCA) regarding allegations of fiscal improprieties. Several months after AOA received its first tip on the fraud hotline, representatives from PCA met with AOA staff to share their concerns regarding inappropriate handling of school funds by Shanna Simmens, the former Finance and Human Resource Manager. AOA found PCA’s deficient fiscal operations and close network of personnel led to a misuse of school funds.

“Our inspection identified over $247,000 in various personal purchases, unsupported transactions, and non-compliance from July 1, 2011 through December 31, 2014,” said Wagner.

There was no mention of any issues by the PCA’s audit firm, SB & Company, LLC, that issued unqualified opinions with no findings on internal control or compliance over financial reporting for fiscal years 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Additional information about the report can be found at: Providence Creek Academy Charter School Inspection report.

For more information, please contact Kathleen A. Davies, CPA-PA, CISA, CGFM, CGAP, CFE, Chief Administrative Auditor/Deputy, at 302-857-3919 or kathleen.davies@delaware.gov.

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