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2025 - 2026 Parent and Family Engagement Policy

Complaint Procedures Prohibiting Fraud, Waste, Mismanagement, Corruption or Misuse of Funds

Purpose

In compliance with White House Executive Order 12731, the Richmond County School System provides all employees, clients, vendors, and individuals with confidential channels to report suspicious activities. The Richmond 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.

A.        Grounds for a Complaint

Any employee, individual, organization or agency (“complainant”) may file a complaint with the Richmond County Board of Education if that individual, organization or agency believes and alleges that a violation of a Federal or State statute or regulation has occurred that applies to a program operated by the School System and supported by Federal or State funds including: Title I, Part A; Title I, Part C; Title I, Part, D; Title II, Part A; Title III, Part A; Title VI, Part B; the McKinney-Vento Act; School Improvement 1003(a) and 1003(g) (SIG); and IDEA. The complaint must allege a violation that occurred not more than one (1) year prior to the date that the complaint is received, unless a longer period is reasonable because the violation is considered to be systemic or ongoing.

Definitions

“Fraud” means the intentional deception perpetrated by an individual or individuals, or an organization or organizations, either internal or external to Richmond 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 Richmond 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.

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