Opinions harden amid Epic investigation

Opinions harden amid Epic investigation

Opinions harden amid Epic investigation

Over the past several years the Epic Charter Schools system has become one of the most disruptive forces in Oklahoma education, quickly growing into the state’s largest virtual school that critics say operates in the shadows of the law, while supporters see an alternative education model bringing necessary change to the status quo.

Those differing opinions hardened this week when The Oklahoman reported the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation alleged the school had falsified enrollment records and paid several families, schools and learning centers to dual-enroll children who were home-schooled or attended private and sectarian schools, and that the school's leaders had embezzled millions.


Epic, which has 23,000 students enrolled, is a public charter school that receives state education funding for each student enrolled. There is no cost to students to attend.

This week, Epic officials denied the allegations and said the OSBI investigation was simply a response from an education community frustrated with change.

“This latest attack comes at a time when our growth makes status quo education lobbying groups uncomfortable,” said Shelly Hickman, assistant superintendent of communications at Epic.

Epic has also used a similar rebuttal to recent media coverage.

Following an article this month by Oklahoma Watch spotlighting questionable enrollment CONTINUE READING: Opinions harden amid Epic investigation

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