Education

Tips to Prevent Wire and ACH Frauds

ACH payment fraud is becoming more common, and it is believed that the fraudsters target certain types of individuals. Unfortunately, school districts are one of those targets. Financial institutions play a crucial role in safeguarding bank accounts from fraud;...

Utility Bill Auditing

For many school districts, especially larger districts, reviewing the utility invoices can be a cumbersome process as schools have multiple accounts. We have noted that recently late fees have been added and are cropping up across the Island. Many districts have asked...

Guest Article: Securing Tomorrow’s Future: The Importance of Intelligence Powered Cybersecurity in K-12 Schools

In today's digital age, where technology is deeply ingrained in our daily lives, ensuring the cybersecurity of our educational institutions has become paramount. K-12 schools are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks, highlighting the urgent need for robust...

Artificial Intelligence Acceptable Use Policy

Schools are constantly looking for ways to utilize technology to improve the educational experience. Educators have quickly understood that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to help a variety of students as it can adapt to different learning styles. For...

GASB Statement 101 – Compensated Absences

Many school districts allow employees to carry over their accrued leave balance at the end of a fiscal year. Some districts have different policies for distinct types of leave. For example, policies may allow for the paying out of accrued vacation leave but not...

NYSLRS Enhanced Reporting – Gold Certification

Reminder: The New York State & Local Retirement System is requiring that all employers must switch to enhanced reporting by the end of 2023. There are many benefits of enhanced reporting.For employers: Maximize efficiency and improve service to employees...

Guest Article: Nonprofit Organization that Supports Schools: MusicBreeds: Rhythm Reach!

Using music as the driver, this local nonprofit organization empowers young people to build successful careers with a program centered on leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, and employment training. MusicBreeds services middle school and high school students through their music focused after-school program, summer camp, and online learning center.

Zero-emission School Bus Mandate – Update

In early August, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) released proposed eligibility guidelines for the Public School Bus Electrification Program being designed under the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs...

Artificial Intelligence – Use with Caution

s Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has been thrust into the public consciousness, many parents have become increasingly worried about its potentially negative effects on their children. In response to this, many school districts have been creating policies to ensure that teachers and students use AI responsibly. With input from key stakeholders such as administrators, teachers, students, IT departments, and the community an AI use policy should seek to enable teachers to supplement their students’ learning rather than supplant it. Any sensible AI policy should also seek to emphasis AI with humans in the loop.

Guest Article: Video-conferencing: Protecting against eavesdroppers using Zerify Defender

Hackers are getting more creative in finding areas where data can be exploited. Many video-conferencing platforms have provided an easy solution for doing business, but they can open private conversations to eavesdroppers and even with gated private rooms, they can be breached.

Internal Controls – Cerini Short

Internal Controls – Cerini Short

Internal Controls Cerini Short In this Cerini Short, Nicholle Mezier, CPA, Manager explains Internal Controls. WHAT ARE INTERNAL CONTROLS? WHY DO WE NEED THEM? Internal controls are one of the most essential elements within any organization. Internal controls are put...

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Internal Controls: The 5 Components

Internal Controls: The 5 Components

What are internal controls? Why do we need them?
Internal controls are one of the most essential elements within any organization. Internal controls are put in place to enable organizations to achieve their goals and missions.

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Taxation of New York State Healthcare Worker Bonuses

Taxation of New York State Healthcare Worker Bonuses

Included as part of the 2022/23 budget for New York State was a provision allowing for Healthcare Worker Bonuses of up to $3,000 per employee (see details here). The regulations and program portal were released on August 3, 2022. One of the crucial questions regarding...

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Taxation of NYS Healthcare Worker Bonus – Cerini Short

Taxation of NYS Healthcare Worker Bonus – Cerini Short

Taxation of NYS Healthcare Worker Bonus Cerini Short In this Cerini Short, Edward McWilliams, CPA, Partner talks about the Taxation of the NYS Healthcare Worker Bonus. Included as part of the 2022/23 budget for New York State was a provision allowing for Healthcare...

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Bonus for NYS Healthcare Workers – Cerini Short

Bonus for NYS Healthcare Workers – Cerini Short

Bonus for NYS Healthcare Workers Cerini Short We have been hearing for months about New York State making certain bonuses available to direct healthcare workers of up to $3,000 each. Governor Hochul allocated $1.2 billion from the State's 2022/23 budget for the...

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ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING SCHOOL DISTRICTS

ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING SCHOOL DISTRICTS

The Book Fairies The Book Fairies collects both new, like-new, and gently used books. They check them for age and condition before distributing them to Title I schools and non-profit organizations across Long Island and NYC to provide equitable opportunities for...

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Guest Article: Retiree Health Insurance Follow Up

Guest Article: Retiree Health Insurance Follow Up

The 25th issue of the Lesson Plan featured an article on how school districts can save money by having the retirees subscribe to a different health insurance product. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employees in the age categories 55 to 64 and age...

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Reminder: School District Website Transparency

Reminder: School District Website Transparency

As districts prepare for the budget vote, it is important that voters can readily read about their school district’s financial information in order to make informed decisions. In March 2021, the NYS Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) issued a report titled “School...

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