Training, Process Improvement, and School Support

Training, Process Improvement, and School Support

Monique Scales, Director (718) 935-2547

An integral part of OAG's mission is to safeguard assets utilized by DOE schools to educate students. The Training, Process Improvement, and School Support unit in collaboration with DOE leadership performs process reviews, where high risk areas are identified for process mapping. In depth flow charts of existing procedures are produced, risks identified and process maps of recommended changes proposed. Completed process reviews include procurement, extended use, new pedagogues hire and the removal of pedagogues from payroll.

Internal Control Officers:

OAG has assigned Internal Control Officers (ICOs) to support schools. ICOs come with a strong background in reviewing internal controls. Currently, ICOs roles are to assist schools in identifying internal control weaknesses and helping with implementing corrective measures. This is attained through consulting and training of school staff. Additionally, ICOs perform follow-up reviews to ensure that schools implement past audit recommendations made by the OAG and other external firms or agencies.

Racine Banner (718) 935-4554
Racine is responsible for the Bronx and Queens ISCs and the schools supported by them (Districts 7 - 12 and 24 -30), as well as the schools within the Children’s First Network (CFN) and Empowerment Support Organization (ESO) in those boroughs. Please contact her in regards to any training or support needed.

Lester Chester (718) 935-2630
Lester is responsible for the Staten Island ISC and the schools supported by it (District 17,18, 20, 21 22 and 31), as well as District 75 and the schools within the CFN and ESO in that borough. Please contact him in regards to any training or support needed.

Paola Freire (718) 935-2490
Paola is responsible for the Brooklyn ISC and the schools supported by it (Districts 13 -16, 19, 23 and 32), as well as the schools within the CFN and ESO in that borough. Please contact her in regards to any training or support needed.

Michael Graham (718) 935-2580
Michael is responsible for the Manhattan ISC and the schools supported by it (Districts 1 - 6), as well as District 79 and the schools within the CFN and ESO in that borough. Please contact him in regards to any training or support needed.

Training:

Internal Control Trainings are conducted either in large groups or in one-on-one sessions, as needed. Group trainings are normally coordinated with the Intergrated Service Center (ISC) and are attended by more than one school. Group training combines presentations and exercises and creates a forum that allows schools to ask questions and get timely responses. One-on-one trainings are conducted at each school. The focus of which is school operations where the ICO makes recommendations to improve school processes.

A list of the available training areas is below:

Timekeeping & Per Session
Per Diem & Class Coverage
General School Funds
Parent/Parent-Teacher Association (PA/PTA)
Inventory
Fire Drills & Safety
Purchasing
Procurement Card (P-Card)
MetroCards

Testimonials

"The knowledge and expertise which the ICO exemplified enabled us to feel comfortable asking many questions. All the information discussed was relevant."

"I learned how to safeguard my position as a principal. As a principal, I am responsible for all financial concerns."

"The most valuable portion of the program was having someone sit down one- on- one to discuss the issues revolving around audits."

"The most valuable portion was the ability to ask questions and receive answers in a timely manner. There wasn't anything I consider least valuable about the way the time was spent."

"The entire workshop was informative and resourceful! I thoroughly enjoyed the small test at the end to gauge an individual’s knowledge."

"Overall the program was extremely informative and valuable to what we do on a daily basis."

"All aspects of this training were valuable, e.g. timekeeping, purchasing, metrocards, etc."