Columbus – A charter school received more than $88,000, but its doors never opened, according to the 2014 State of Ohio Single Audit report released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

“The system is busted, broken and doesn’t work,” Auditor Yost said.  “When everyone is responsible, no one is responsible. Ohio’s chaotic supervision of charter schools is inadequate and needs reformed. ” 

Wendy Marshall applied for, and secured, sponsorship required to open a community school for the 2013-14 school year. In anticipation of Directional Academy’s opening, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) issued two payments, totaling $88,750, to a bank account opened by Marshall. The academy failed to open and a finding for recovery, in favor of ODE, was issued against Marshall in the full amount.

The State Single audit report also identified additional misused funds at a private school.

Casey Goleb was hired as an English Language Learners (ELL) instructor for the Sunrise Academy at the direction of academy director, Leah Mohiuddin. During the period December 2010 – August 2013, Goleb received compensation totaling $198,746. Auditors found no evidence to support the academy provided ELL services to its students. A finding for recovery was issued in favor of ODE, jointly and severely against Goleb and Mohiuddin in the full amount. The Sunrise Academy is a private school located within the Hilliard City School District (Franklin County) and receives funding through the Auxiliary Services Fund provided by ODE.

A full copy of the audit is available online.