Epic Charter Schools Faces Losing Contract With Oklahoma

The future of Oklahoma’s largest school district is uncertain after the State Virtual Charter School Board voted Tuesday to consider terminating Epic Charter School’s contract.

Related Story: State Virtual Charter School Board Votes To Consider Termination Of Epic Contract

The decision comes after an audit showed the district mishandled tens of millions of tax dollars. Epic Charter Schools will have a chance to defend themselves before state leaders would terminate the contract.

Lawmakers said they are relieved to see steps taken to hold the district accountable.

The Statewide Virtual Charter School Board said the 100-plus-page state audit of Epic Charter Schools released earlier this month outlines serious allegations.

Board members began the process Tuesday of ending its contract with the school district. State Representative John Waldron says the move is one step toward accountability.

"Public dollars should be held to public account, that's why we have boards, that's why we have oversight," Waldron said.

The state's audit of Epic's financial records found more than $125 million of educational funds were being privately managed, which means it was hard for state leaders to track where the money was being spent. Epic released a rebuttal earlier this month denying the allegations, they say the investigation is just political theatrics. They've asked for 60 days to respond to the board's decision.

The Oklahoma Education Association said this is about the charter school's financial operation, not how they teach students.

"We know that this is a platform that many of our students are successful in, but it needs to be done in the right manner," Oklahoma Education Association VP Katherine Bishop said. "There needs to be appropriate oversight. There needs to be transparency."

Some lawmakers, like Waldron, also recognize part of the burden falls on them to make sure tax dollars are properly tracked.

"When it comes to charter school oversight, we have a responsibility to the taxpayer to make sure every dollar is accounted for, so I think this sends a message to Epic and its oversight people that we need to do a better job of keeping track of the money," Waldron said.

Many parents and teachers spoke in support of the school district at the meeting. The state board's chairman said Epic's students should not be anxious about what the future may hold for them.