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ODE preliminary review reports 30-plus findings
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
A preliminary review of the city schools’ federal programs shows more than 30 findings, but the district has corrected some of the issues while it addresses others, and officials expect an improved final report.
The on-site review conducted in March by the Ohio Department of Education lists multiple findings of noncompliance and technical assistance.
The initial review involved federal programs including Title I, which covers economically disadvantaged students, and the elementary and secondary education act.
“A lot of that was not noncompliance, but we did not have the documentation [that would have proved compliance] to show,” said Stephen Stohla, interim superintendent.
Compliance is important because the city school district receives about $14 million annually through these programs.
Alida Treharn, supervisor of state and federal and intensive English programs at the city schools, said since the spring review, the district has been sending additional documentation to ODE.
A final report is expected later this month.
One finding, for example, determined that the district was noncompliant with a requirement to employ highly qualified teachers as defined by federal law.
“We certainly try to get highly qualified teachers in the district,” Treharn said. “Apparently, they didn’t see documentation when they were here to verify what they were looking for.”
Treharn said ODE conducted a review three years ago, and though the way the district handles the documentation and administration hasn’t changed, some of the issues of noncompliance noted this year weren’t listed in the 2012 review.
The latest review involved 10 people compared with the three the department usually brings to the review. ODE was trying to complete its work in one day instead of the three-day review it has done in previous years.
The day the department arrived, Treharn was the only person in the department, she said.
“I’m working with an independent consultant and with ODE and sending in documentation that’s still needed,” Treharn said.
Being determined noncompliant regarding a financial requirement in the final report could require the district to return a portion of funds.
“We’re waiting until the final report comes in and gives us an idea if we still have to fix anything in the future,” she said. “As far as we know, we have corrected everything.”