MARCH 20, 2014Fraud still dogs SES programs despite waivers
(District of Columbia) Although most of the nation is operating under waivers that relieve states and school districts from mandates to provide tutoring services, federal auditors remain concerned about fraud and abuse within these legacy programs.
A report from the U.S. Department of Education’s Inspector General’s Office noted a general upswing in the number of criminal cases involving Title I funds set aside to provide Supplemental Educational Services over the past five years – cases that resulted in the prosecution of 13 and a claw back of more than $19 million in restitution, civil judgments and fines.
In response, the Education Department issued new guidance this week to state school chiefs recommending improvements in screening SES providers, and better fraud detection and whistleblower protections.
The warning flag comes even though 43 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
