47 Ohio school districts cleared in data-tampering probe

COLUMBUS (AP) — State Auditor Dave Yost says no additional irregularities in attendance and enrollment practices have been found in the second round of his statewide data-tampering probe.

Yost’s office reviewed 81 buildings in a sampling of 47 districts with fall levy questions and found no evidence that any had scrubbed the rolls.

The Republican auditor said today he was “surprised and pleased” by the finding.

Yost is investigating whether schools removed poor-performing students from the books to improve performance ratings that can affect government payments and employee bonuses. The review was launched in response to unusual practices discovered in Columbus, Toledo and suburban Cincinnati districts.

Five districts that used questionable attendance methods were identified in the first round.

Tuesday’s announcement is the final update in the investigation until after the election.