Roxbury Community College's Use Of American Recovery And Reinvestment Act Funds

This is a Massachusetts State Auditor report reviewing Roxbury Community College's use of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.

“In accordance with Chapter 11, Section 12, of the Massachusetts General Laws, we conducted a review of funds provided to RCC (through the BHE) from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 for the period July 1, 2009 through June 18, 2010.”

The audit was done to check whether RCC had proper controls and whether the stimulus money was spent for its intended purposes.

“The objectives of our audit were to review RCC’s controls over monitoring and the use of ARRA funds received and expended.”

The report matters because it checks whether public federal recovery money was protected from misuse and properly tracked.

“Reviewed internal controls to ensure that ARRA funds are safeguarded against theft, loss, or misuse and are properly accounted for.”

For residents, the funds helped support college jobs and pay vendors and contractors connected to RCC operations.

“During the last two quarters of fiscal year 2010, RCC used ARRA funds to maintain an average of 127 full- or part-time positions which equaled 69 full-time equivalent positions.”

The auditor did not find major problems in the areas tested.

“Our tests in the above-mentioned areas disclosed no material weaknesses.”

The report does not list corrective actions, because the audit found no material weaknesses in the tested areas.

“Based on our review, we have concluded, that during the period July 1, 2009 through June 18, 2010, RCC used ARRA funds for the intended purposes; maintained adequate management controls; and complied with applicable laws, rules, and regulations for the areas tested.”

This report is significant because RCC received more than $3.2 million in federal recovery funds, and the auditor found the tested spending was proper.

“During our audit period, RCC, through the Board of Higher Education (BHE), received an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant of $3,248,893 under the Education Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program.”

ARRA means the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, often called stimulus funding.

“During our audit period, RCC, through the Board of Higher Education (BHE), received an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant of $3,248,893 under the Education Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program.”