Schools For Education

GOV. KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCED PLANS TO BACK 22 STATE LEGISLATORS AND FILE A FORMAL AUDIT INTO THE OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. THIS, after the state auditor's office released a 120-page report following a year-long investigation into Epic Charter Schools. — Gov. Kevin Stitt announced plans to back 22 state legislators and file a formal audit into the Oklahoma State Department of Education. This, after the state auditor's office released a 120-page report following a year-long investigation into Epic Charter Schools. "A lot of these things are extremely convoluted," Robert Ruiz, father of an Epic Charters School junior student, said. "As parents, it's hard to track all of these things." In a statement released to 2 Works for You, Gov. Stitt said: As governor, I have consistently fought for transparency and accountability across our state government. When Auditor Byrd released her initial report, I made it clear that we expect each Oklahoma...

The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies announced $229,722 in annual fall grant awards will be distributed for 85 projects in Bedford, Cambria, Somerset and Indiana counties. Many of the 2020 Fall Grants address ongoing needs arising from the pandemic in the region. For example, as Greater Johnstown School District prepares to begin a fully remote learning model next month, Alternative Community Resources Program Inc. is planning to open a new Adolescent Advocacy Center to provide internet access for any student who needs it. Internet access as well as computer tablets and educational staff will be available through the new program at ACRP’s 317 Power St., Cambria City location. The Adolescent Advocacy Center is made possible by a $7,500 CFA fall 2020 grant.  ACRP President and Executive Director Frank Janakovic did not set a firm opening date for the program, saying it will be advertised as soon as ACRP has Chromebooks for students to use and a plan that minimiz...

OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt is vowing to heed a call by 22 GOP lawmakers Wednesday to seek an investigative audit into state education officials’ oversight of public school cost accounting. The move comes on the heels of State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd’s recent findings, which questioned the oversight of Epic Charter Schools’ use of taxpayer dollars by the state agency run by State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister. “As governor, I have consistently fought for transparency and accountability across our state government,” Stitt said in response to a request for comment from the Tulsa World. “As we continue to work with the Legislature to invest in public education at the highest levels in our state’s history, it is imperative that these funds are being carefully managed and in compliance with the law. “I applaud the 22 legislators who publicly expressed their concerns for being good stewards of taxpayer dollars and will work with them to formally request an investi...