Settlement delay costs HISD $82 million for technology Houston & Texas News Chron.com - Houston Chronicle:
"Houston ISD schools have gone without at least $82 million for technology upgrades while the district is under federal investigation for questionable deals with computer equipment vendors.
Superintendent Terry Grier said this week that the district is nearing a legal settlement so that schools can get the funds for much-needed wiring, better Internet access, new servers and more.
The pact, Grier said, would require HISD to pay the federal government about $850,000 to make up for the alleged wrongdoing, which involved former employees accepting gifts from vendors. In exchange, the district no longer would be frozen out of the federal technology grant program called e-rate.
Even with a settlement, criminal charges still could be filed. Grier said he does not believe any current district employees or school board members will face charges.
“I would assume that the feds could continue to pursue previous employees,” he said."
"Houston ISD schools have gone without at least $82 million for technology upgrades while the district is under federal investigation for questionable deals with computer equipment vendors.
Superintendent Terry Grier said this week that the district is nearing a legal settlement so that schools can get the funds for much-needed wiring, better Internet access, new servers and more.
The pact, Grier said, would require HISD to pay the federal government about $850,000 to make up for the alleged wrongdoing, which involved former employees accepting gifts from vendors. In exchange, the district no longer would be frozen out of the federal technology grant program called e-rate.
Even with a settlement, criminal charges still could be filed. Grier said he does not believe any current district employees or school board members will face charges.
“I would assume that the feds could continue to pursue previous employees,” he said."