Internal Audit

Meghan Needham, CPA, CFE
Executive Director of the Internal Audit | Email
Phone: 614-683-8251
 

Download our brochure	Internal Auditing in the Great City Schools

Mission

The mission of the Internal Audit Division of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (District) is to provide independent, objective audits, risk assessment and consulting services to the Board of Education, Audit Committee and District management while promoting an environment of compliance, sufficient internal controls, and efficient/effective programs.

Internal audits will help to improve the District’s performance and accountability by:

• Evaluating District department/program efficiency and effectiveness.
• Assessing the accuracy of reports and management information.
• Testing adequacy of controls in an effort to help prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Reviewing compliance with laws and regulations.
• Providing advice, promoting accountability, facilitating change, and sponsoring continuous improvement.

Authority and Reporting Structure

The current source of the Division’s authority is established in Board policy DIE adopted January 26, 2010. Currently, three internal auditors report to a Director. Provisions within the Board policy grant the following authority to the Director:

• Report directly to the Board of Education.
• Report to the CFO for day-to-day administrative purposes.
• Seek guidance, counsel and advice from the CEO.
• Provide the Audit Committee with information necessary to fulfill its responsibilities.
• Maintain the independence necessary to ensure the accountability and integrity of the audits conducted.
• Access (unrestricted) to District data including, but not limited to, information on activities, books, records, files, documents, property, and personnel records.
• Work with independent auditors and representatives of the Auditor of State.
• Administer the District’s fraud hotline.

The Division conducts internal audits in accordance with the Global Internal Audit Standards promulgated by the Institute of the Internal Auditors (“The IIA”), International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), published January 9, 2024.

Fraud Hotline 216.838.9999

Fraud Hotline Website

Fraud may also be reported to the Ohio Auditor of State’s office by calling 1-866-FRAUD-OH.