Five Things to Know About Virtual School Funding
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With the ongoing probes and debate over Epic Charter Schools, state legislators held an interim-study hearing Wednesday on how virtual charter schools are funded. Are changes in the wind?
Former Epic Teachers Sue School Over Firing, Alleging Enrollment Manipulation
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Two former teachers have filed lawsuits against Epic Charter Schools, alleging they were fired for pushing back against pressure to manipulate the enrollment of their students.
State Investigation of Epic Expands to Chief Financial Officer, Board
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A state investigation into Epic Charter Schools has expanded to include the school’s chief financial officer and four current or former board members, according to a search warrant filed in Oklahoma County Wednesday.
Gun Deaths in Oklahoma: Trends, Laws and Survival
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Mass shootings in Texas and Ohio have put gun deaths and firearm laws back in the spotlight. This Q&A provides some of the Oklahoma facts you need to know.
Did Lobbying Efforts Influence Spending on School Panic Button?
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A $3 million taxpayer-funded program will soon give schools across the state access to a relatively untested “panic button” app that can alert authorities and staff if there is an active shooter or other emergency. Approval came after company officials lobbied for the app at the State Capitol.
Hofmeister: Epic Complaints Raised for Years, But Education Department Lacked Power to Verify
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The state Board of Education met Thursday and discussed, both publicly and behind closed doors, Epic Charter Schools. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister then answered questions and noted the department has lacked the power to investigate years of complaints about the online school.
Has Oversight of Epic Schools Been Lax?
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Who’s responsible for oversight of Epic Charter Schools? In light of accusations revealed by Oklahoma Watch and others detailed in a state investigator’s report, have overseers done enough to put a check on the state’s largest virtual school? State officials have asked for an investigative audit, but where it will lead is unclear.
Search Warrant Alleges Embezzlement, Use of ‘Ghost Students’ by Epic Schools
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A state investigator’s search warrant filed in court seeks evidence of alleged embezzlement of state funds and obtaining money under false pretenses at Epic Charter Schools, including through the use of “ghost students” who receive little or no instruction at the school.
For First Time, ‘Read or Fail’ Law Is Fully Funded. Will It Reduce Retentions?
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One of the state’s most contentious education initiatives, the Reading Sufficiency Act, is fully funded for the first time. Will more support for struggling readers reduce the number of students who are retained?
Former Epic Teachers Describe Pressure to Manipulate Enrollment
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Administrators at Epic Charter Schools have been allowing, encouraging or pressuring teachers to manipulate students’ enrollment for years in order to improve employees’ bonus pay, according to at least seven former teachers.