Department of Education Educational Awards Programs
Performance Audit – Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2023-2025
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Report Summary
Background
The Office of Auditor of Accounts (AOA) conducted a performance audit of the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) to determine whether the Department administered the State’s Education Awards Programs in accordance with the requirements of 14 Del. C. Chapters 89, 89D, and 89E. This audit was performed under the authority granted to AOA by 29 Del. C. §2906.
The scope of the audit included DDOE’s administration of the Teacher of the Year (TOY), Educational Support Professional of the Year (ESPOY), and Behavioral Health Professional of the Year (BHPOY) programs. The most recent audit of TOY was completed in 2014. ESPOY and BHOY were established in 2018 and 2021, respectively.
Key Information and Findings
The Audit consisted of two main objectives:
- To determine whether the selection of District Nominees of the Year, State Winners and the recipient School District of the Educational Benefit Award complied with 14 Del. C. chapters 89, 89E, 89D and applicable Title 14 Del. Admin Codes (235, 237, 239) and respective award program policies, procedures, and documentation.
- To determine whether the appropriated amounts for each of the Award Programs were expended in accordance with 14 Del. C. chapters 89, 89E, 89D and the State Budget and Accounting Manual (BAM)
Based on the audit procedures performed, the Office of Auditor of Accounts (AOA) determined that the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) complied, in all material respects, with the applicable criteria evaluated during the performance audit. The controls and processes reviewed were operating effectively and were reasonably designed to support program objectives and ensure compliance with applicable Delaware codes, laws and regulations. No exceptions or irregularities came to our attention. Nevertheless, we have communicated opportunities for improvement intended to further strengthen the Department’s internal control framework and administrative processes.
Award Program Information
The primary purpose of the EAP’s is to honor outstanding service within the school system and provide award funds to be used for the education benefit of students.
| Program | Enacted | Statutory Authority | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOY | 1989 | 14 Del. C. Ch. 89 Senate Bill 163 | To reward excellence in teaching and provide funding for school-building educational materials. |
| ESPOY | 2018 | 14 Del. C. Ch. 89D House Bill 134 | To honor staff who provide vital direct or indirect services. |
| BHPOY | 2021 | 14 Del. C. Ch. 89E House Bill 35 | To recognize practitioners who improve student mental health. |
Timeline
| Program | Submission Date | Application Date | Interview with Committee | Winner Announced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BHOY | April 1 | May 1 | May | Late May – Early June |
| ESPOY | Sept. 30 | Oct. 31 | — | Late Nov. – Early Dec. |
| TOY | Aug 3 & 4 – Video | Sept. 8 | — | Oct. 13 |
Financial Awards and Recognition Structure
Pursuant to the statutory requirements established in Title 14 of the Delaware Code, nominees and winners of the state’s EAP’s are entitled to specific financial awards and recognition. The compensation and award structure for the EAP’s is categorized as follows:
- District-Level Recognition
- Individuals designated as nominees for their respective School Districts or the Charter School community receive a personal award of $2,000. These funds are administered and distributed by DDOE for TOY, and at the School District level for ESPOY and BHPOY.
- Educational Award Fund
- The School District of the State Winner is assigned a $5,000 Educational Award Fund. While the DDOE facilitates distribution, the following strictures apply:
- Restricted Usage: These funds must be utilized exclusively for educational purposes or objectives that yield a direct benefit to students.
- Fiduciary Oversight: All expenditures must comply with state procurement regulations and are subject to audit to ensure alignment with statutory intent
- The School District of the State Winner is assigned a $5,000 Educational Award Fund. While the DDOE facilitates distribution, the following strictures apply: