State Department Of Education Releases Investigative Report Of Epic Charter Schools

The Oklahoma State Department of Education and learning will release the results of its investigation into Epic Charter Educational institutions soon after a former board member alleged intimidation and harassment getting place within the administration. 

State Superintendent Pleasure Hofmeister and other OSDE officers will current the conclusions at 2 p.m. Tuesday. 

The department introduced the investigation in December not “allegations of fraud, suppression of fraud, intimidation and harassment in the office, as well as alleged violations of the Open up Conferences Act,” in accordance to a see of criticism OSDE sent to Epic Charter Educational facilities Superintendent Bart Banfield.   

Relevant: OSDE Investigates Grievances From Epic Charter Colleges

Previous board member Kathryn Stehno told the OSDE that several personnel complained to her about alleged intimidation and harassment by Paul Campbell, the chair of Epic’s board. 

Down below is an excerpt of Stehno’s resignation letter.

“According to these females, they have been yelled at, berated, matter to profane remarks and implied threats to their employment. All described an frequently-hostile get the job done atmosphere. These women expressed dread of retaliation in creating their problems public, specially considering the fact that they show Superintendent Banfield was properly mindful and probably also complicit.” 

Information 9 contacted Campbell and Epic Charter Educational institutions Tuesday morning for remark. 

A 2020 audit by the Oklahoma Auditor & Inspector, Cindy Byrd, observed millions in public funding despatched to Epic were in the end put in on the school’s California department, and that the college exceeded the administrative charge cap. As a outcome of the audit, the condition has withheld $20 million from Epic Constitution Colleges, in accordance to Byrd’s business office.

Relevant: Oklahoma To Withhold $9.1 Million From Epic Constitution Educational facilities For Incorrect Investing

Byrd’s business office claimed Tuesday it is even now auditing the University student Mastering Fund, which is managed by Epic’s mother or father business: Community Tactics Inc. The fund has obtained $145 million in taxpayer dollars considering the fact that 2015. 

This post will be up to date. Information 9’s Barry Mangold will have a lot more tonight on Information 9 at 5 p.m. and News On 6 at 6 p.m.