Berkeley County Office of First Steps

“The organization has contracted out the accounting functions to cherry bekaert llp.”

“If necessary to assure that all areas of the county or multicounty region are adequately represented and reflect the diversity of the coverage area, each county legislative delegation may appoint up to four additional members to a local partnership board. Of these members, two are appointed by the senate members and two by the house of representative members of the delegation from persons with resources, skills, or knowledge that have specific interests in improving the readiness of young children for school. Each of the following located within a particular first steps partnership coverage area shall designate one member to serve as a member of the local first steps partnership board: (a) county department of social services; (b) county department of health and environmental control; (c) head start or early head start; (d) county library; and (e) each of the school districts in the county.”

“The organization's form 990 is prepared and reviewed by cherry bekaert llp.”

“The organization is subject to enforcement and monitoring by the south carolina ethics commission. It is the policy of the partnership that board members not be involved with decisions regarding organizations they represent.”

“Budget amounts, including compensation, are submitted for approval to the south carolina office of first steps. The organization also has a contractual agreement with the local school district to employ individuals whose main goal is to work for the organization. The organization reimburses the school district under the terms of the contract for these services.”

“Through the south carolina freedom of information act, all governing documents, the conflict of interest policy and financial statements are available for inspection. Those who wish to inspect these documents must make the request in writing. The documents must then be provided within two weeks of the request.”

“ROUNDING DIFF 4.”