Some Parents ‘Shocked’ By State Audit Of Epic Charter Schools

After the state released its audit into Epic Charter Schools, some parents are shocked by the revelations.

State Auditor Cindy Byrd said Epic mishandled tens of millions of dollars and said her findings are the worst she’s seen in her 23 years. Epic said the audit was nothing more than political theatrics, saying it’s not even an “audit in the traditional sense of the word.”

Some members of the Tulsa Parent Legislative Action Committee said the audit was shocking and they were disturbed by the way Epic seems to have skirted around state laws.

Related Story: State Auditor Reveals Results Of Investigation Into Epic Charter Schools

JJ Burnam is a leader for the Tulsa Parent Legislative Action Committee, a parent-led volunteer group focused on legislation surrounding public schools in Oklahoma.

He said he was surprised at just how deep the state's audit went into Epic's financial records.

"I think there have been investigations and shady dealings and details have come out over the years, but to have it all laid out so clearly, I think was still pretty shocking," Burnam said.

Epic Charter Schools Assistant Superintendent Shelly Hickman said many of the findings though, have no basis in any violation of laws or regulations. They released a 132-page rebuttal today to the state's 116-page report.

"Quite frankly it is riddled with error and we think taxpayers should be offended with the 14 months and the resources that were expended on it," Hickman said.

They said the district has spent more than $243,000 cooperating with the audit, which they said is not a traditional investigation.

Burnam said the state's battle over taxpayer money is something important to his group.

"So, we will continue to be vigilant about promoting and advocating for public schools to receive the funds the funds they need, and for oversight, transparency, and accountability for these kinds of things," Burnam said.

To read the full state audit, click here.

To read the full rebuttal from Epic Charter Schools, click here.