Ohio education officials have confirmed seven of eight school districts identified by the state auditor improperly reported attendance data or engaged in other questionable practices. The Ohio Department of Education referred the cases Monday for possible professional sanctions against individual educators or licensed staff. Punishment could range from suspension to license revocation.
Auditor Dave Yost pinpointed the districts in a probe last year. The investigation looked at the practice of scrubbing, or removing poor-performing students from the rolls to improve performance rankings. The Education Department's review of 8,500 student records confirmed scrubbing in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Campbell, Winton Woods and Northridge. Marion City Schools was cleared of scrubbing but referred based on use of improper procedures. The eighth district, Canton City Schools, was cleared.
Columbus schools are being investigated separately, and a report is expected to be released this week.