n Special Edition – March 13, 2013
E-News Special Report
CCS' actions helped to identify fraud in state tutoring program
U.S. Attorney issues first indictment in statewide investigation
It's been nearly two years since Columbus City Schools (CCS) first brought concerns regarding potential fraudulent activities of Supplemental Education Services (SES) program tutors to light. Today, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced its first indictment against an owner of a former tutoring service provider.
According to a press release issued by United States Attorney Carter M. Stewart, of the Southern District of Ohio, "Allegations surfaced of possible misconduct by providers of the Supplemental Education Services Program in 2011. A special audit of the Columbus City School District began in June 2011 after a request was made by Superintendent Gene Harris."
In June, 2011, Columbus City Schools requested the Auditor of State's Office conduct a special audit of the District's Supplemental Educational Services (SES) program as a result of the District's concerns over the legitimacy of some invoices and other documents submitted by individuals and organizations providing tutoring services through the Ohio Department of Education's Supplemental Educational Services program.
Columbus City Schools aggressively monitored SES program providers and had notified the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) in September of 2010 of concerns with WAISS due to non-payment of the company's tutors. The contract between CCS and WAISS was terminated by the District on September 27, 2010. In May 2011, CCS officials notified ODE of concerns with several ODE-approved providers, and asked that 12 providers, including WAISS be removed from the approved list due to documented concerns.
Columbus City Schools monitored the program very closely and took swift action in making officials aware of our concerns that led to an investigation into the SES program.
The Supplemental Education Services tutoring program was mandated as part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. It was administered by states, and in the case of Ohio, school districts were provided with a list of state-approved vendors from which they must offer services to eligible students. Districts were required to sign an agreement with approved providers. The provider then contacted the parent to begin the tutoring services. Districts were able to monitor the providers, but did not have authority to have a Provider removed from the state's approved list as a result of concerns regarding lack of documentation or the effectiveness of the program. Payment for the tutoring services came from federal Title I funds previously provided directly to schools to support students.
Last year, after allegations of fraud and questions surrounding the efficacy of the SES tutoring program itself, the federal government offered a waiver that discontinued the requirement that states offer the services to eligible schools. Ohio received a waiver to discontinue its program.
Thank you for your continued support of Columbus City Schools.
Respectfully,
Gene T. Harris, Ph.D.
Superintendent/CEO
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