State Auditor Cindy Byrd today released the first part of her investigative audit of Epic Charter Schools, saying the findings are “deeply concerning.” She is sending her findings to the FBI, IRS, the U.S. Office of Inspector General, OSBI, the Oklahoma Tax Commission and state attorney general.
OEA President Alicia Priest responds:
“More than anything, this news is heartbreaking for Oklahoma students. We are alarmed at the extent of the state auditor’s findings of Epic Virtual Charter School financial misdeeds. The OEA has been talking about these inconsistencies for years, and now we beginning to get a good picture of Epic’s betrayal of our students and Oklahoma taxpayers.
“Tens of millions of dollars have been lost, and Oklahoma students are the victims. Our brick-and-mortar public schools have stepped up during the pandemic to deliver virtual teaching and learning despite great obstacles. They’ve done so without taking any money off the top.
“Lawmakers have taken steps to shine the light on virtual school finances, but they must be more aggressive. They must act IMMEDIATELY to close any loopholes that allow virtual charter schools like Epic to play fast and loose with our tax dollars and commit this kind of academic malpractice.”
