The co-founders of Epic Charter Schools, who often found themselves at the center of controversy, are no longer tied to the virtual charter school system.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) An investigation into a virtual charter school that has grown to become the largest public school in Oklahoma has been delayed due to inadequate transparency with public funds and a lack of cooperation by some employees, the state’s multicounty grand jury said in a report issued Thursday.
The grand jury said it issued the interim report into Epic Charter Schools, even though the investigation is ongoing, because parents and policymakers need to know about their concerns.
“The investigation continues into whether public funds may have been used inappropriately,” the report states. “Due to the lack of transparency in accounting for the funds, international avoidance of disclosure of information by a private entity, and lack of cooperation; the investigation is unable to be completed at this time.”
The OSBI in 2019 court records accused Epic of illegally inflating student enrollment counts with children who received little to no education from the virtual charter school. Investigators alleged Chaney and Harris pocketed millions of taxpayer dollars after funneling school funds to Epic Youth Services.
Epic, Chaney and Harris have denied any illegal activity. No one has been charged with any crimes in the investigation.
The grand jury has been hearing testimony and reviewing evidence on Epic since December. Grand jurors specifically stated they are investigating whether public funds may have been used inappropriately.
The grand jury typically meets two to three days a month in Oklahoma City in closed-door sessions. It next meets June 1-3.
Grand jury: Lack of transparency delaying Epic school probe
SEAN MURPHY, Associated Press
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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) An investigation into a virtual charter school that has grown to become the largest public school in Oklahoma has been delayed due to inadequate transparency with public funds and a lack of cooperation by some employees, the state s multicounty grand jury said in a report issued Thursday.
The grand jury said it issued the interim report into Epic Charter Schools, even though the investigation is ongoing, because parents and policymakers need to know about their concerns.
“The investigation continues into whether public funds may have been used inappropriately, the report states. “Due to the lack of transparency in accounting for the funds, international avoidance of disclosure of information by a private entity, and lack of cooperation; the investigation is unable to be completed at this time.