Ohio auditor sets deadlines for schools in attendance-fixing inv - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Ohio auditor sets deadlines for schools in attendance-fixing investigation

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13abc.com Tony Geftos - email

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) -- The state auditor is asking school districts to come forward and admit if they've manipulated attendance records.

Essentially, the state auditor is saying he wants school leaders to step forward and speak out, and he's giving them a deadline: Monday, Aug. 20 at 4:00 p.m.

Right now, Toledo Public Schools and at least two other districts are under investigation for alleged "scrubbing." That's when districts are accused of dropping students on purpose, so their test scores don't bring down the average.

T.P.S. has hired a legal team to look into the case. The state auditor has already said he thinks the illegal practice could be widespread.

13abc obtained a copy of a letter sent to all Ohio superintendents.

In it, auditor Dave Yost writes: "The time to tell the truth is now. Voluntary self-reporting demonstrates good intentions and will help separate those who acted in good faith from those who acted with fraudulent intent."

"This office will be an advocate for those who self-report attendance irregularities on or before 4 p.m. Monday, August 20."

The letter goes on to say in the weeks ahead, auditors will fan out across the state, visit schools and review their attendance records.  They will be looking for any signs of altering the numbers.

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