[read complete report – pdf] | [read complete 2022 report – pdf] 

Purpose of Review

The purpose of our review was to assess the North Salem Central School District’s (District’s) progress, as of May 2025, in implementing our recommendations in the audit report North Salem Central School District – Network User Accounts (2022M-140), released in June 2023. 

The audit determined that District officials did not ensure network user accounts were adequately managed. It also determined there were sensitive information technology (IT) control weaknesses, which we communicated confidentially to officials. As a result, compromised accounts may not be detected and increased opportunities for users to make unauthorized or improper changes, improperly access students’ private and personal information and/or modify accounting records to conceal malicious transactions exist. The audit included three recommendations to help District officials adequately secure access to the network and properly manage user permissions.

Background

The District serves the Towns of North Salem and Somers in Westchester County and Carmel and Southeast in Putnam County.  The District is governed by an elected seven-member Board of Education, that is responsible for the District’s general administration through setting policies and expectations. The Superintendent of Schools is responsible, along with other administrative staff, for the District’s day-to-day management under the Board’s direction.

Results of Review

Of the three audit recommendations, District officials, the IT Director and IT staff implemented one recommendation and partially implemented two recommendations. Our recommendations related to sensitive IT control weaknesses were communicated confidentially to District officials.