Further, no criminal or civil action was filed in connection with this matter.Īs a part of this resolution, Concept Schools also entered into a compliance agreement with the Federal Communications Commission. įollowing an investigation lasting more than six years, Concept Schools and the Federal Government reached an agreement concluding the matter without any determination of wrongdoing by Concept Schools, Concept network schools, or any Concept or school representative. E-Rate Investigation Resolution October 2020 Ĭoncept Schools resolved federal investigation related to the E-Rate Technology Program. As of August 2016, no charges have been filed.

The raids were in connection with E-Rate, which provides discounted technology resources to schools, and alleged that Concept Schools diverted $5 million of federal grants away from schools. In June 2014, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Education, and Federal Communications Commission conducted joint raids on Concept Schools and several Concept network schools in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio for 'allegations of white collar crime,' according to FBI spokesperson Vicki Anderson.

In 2014, Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett prohibited the opening of a Concept School in Chicago due to visible mold, water-damaged floors, damaged ceilings, and asbestos. In total, nineteen search warrants were executed by the FBI on June 4, 2014. In 2014, schools run by Concept in three states were been raided by the FBI. The Momentum Award recognizes institutions that exceeded expectations for learning outcomes of for students in certain demographics. Two of those schools-HSA Denison Middle School and HSA Columbus Middle School-were awarded the 2019 Momentum Award by the Ohio Department of Education. Schools with 'clean' audit reports submit financial reports did not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Uniform Guidance findings or questioned costs. In March 2020, the Ohio Auditor of State reported that 14 institutions run by Concept Schools in Ohio had clean audit records. In 2014, Concept Schools in Ohio and two other states were served search warrants alleging embezzlement of federal grants, though no criminal charges were filed by 2016. Three years later, the Horizon Science Academy High School in Columbus received a National Blue Ribbon as well. In 2009, Horizon Science Academy Cleveland received a National Blue Ribbon Award from the US Department of education. Each Board provides oversight and accountability in the management of the school, including financial oversight exercised by a review of financial updates at each Board meeting. Each Board is the charter holder and is held accountable by a charter authorizer. School Governance is the responsibility of the Board of Directors of each school. Concept entered into a management agreement with local school boards to provide operational and academics services to manage an additional 27 charter public schools.

Out of roughly 13,500 students, 86% are minority students and 85% come from economically disadvantaged families.īeginning with the 2020-21 school year, Concept Schools is the charter operator for Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park, Horizon Science Academy Belmont, and Horizon Science Academy Southwest Chicago. Serving more than 13,500 students, Concept-managed schools are located in urban areas in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri. The group currently operates or manages thirty tuition-free science, technology and math-focused schools in six Midwest states. Concept Schools is a nonprofit charter management organization.

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