PA Cyber Charter School FBI Investigation
FBI, IRS and the U.S. Department of Education Investigates PA Cyber Charter School
Have you heard people talking about PA Cyber School being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Department of Education? Well it is definitely true.
On Thursday July 12, 2012 FBI agents served a warrant on PA Cyber Charter School. They requested records from the school's Ohio and Pennsylvania office locations. From what staff members are reporting to its families, there's nothing to worry about. Most of the information I've received has come from the staff of the school. So I am a bit apprehensive about believing everything they say. There has been some shady things happening in the past few months, but I can't say that there's any real connection. In May 2012, the CEO and Founder of PA Cyber stepped down. Since then the school has had a lot of budget cuts therefore, getting rid of some great employees. With the changes in staff, curriculum and positions, it only leaves many questions in the minds of worried parents. Remember these are only my theories and they could be nothing more than "coincidence."
This is the email that was sent out to student families from the new CEO.
"Important Message from your CEO
PA Cyber Staff do-not-reply@mypacyber.org July 13 (6 days ago)
*** REPLIES TO PA CYBER STAFF EMAILS WILL NOT BE RECEIVED. Contact your Instructional Supervisor for assistance. *** July 13, 2012
Dear PA Cyber families,
I’m writing to ease any uncertainties or concerns you may have about yesterday’s news of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s search of The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School’s office in Midland. First, I want to underscore the fact that a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Pittsburgh office said that PA Cyber itself is NOT a target of their investigation.
More importantly, I want to assure you that our staff and teachers are focused on preparing for the 2012-2013 school year, and making certain everything is in order for our diverse and talented student body to receive the top-notch education they’ve come to count on from PA Cyber. We have a strong and committed team, and I know we will continue doing what we do best – providing an innovative and quality education to our students.
Our everyday operations continue running smoothly. No classes, programs or start dates have changed or will be affected. You can handle your preparations for the new school year in the way that you always have. If you have any questions, as always, please don’t hesitate to contact your instructional supervisor.
We all are eagerly and enthusiastically looking forward to engaging with our students in the new school year and helping them achieve their academic goals.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael J. Conti
PA Cyber CEO"
We (many PA Cyber parents) as concerned parents are keeping our eyes and ears open concerning these investigations. We are still not fully aware of what these government agencies are looking for. From what I understand they are only investigating the appropriations of funds. We are aware that there's alot of people who'd love to see PA Cyber fail. We are constantly fighting for new legislation on school choice and online education. So this may be another attempt to try and discredit the school.
Although this is very troubling and I still have many questions that need to be answered about this situation. I am not ready to give up on the school yet. I will be keeping an eye out for more news.
So what do you think "Conspiracy theory?" Maybe, maybe not.
Click here to read an article on this subject by The Pitsburgh Post-Gazette,
Click here to read an article on this subject by Times Online.