Published July 16, 2026 July 16, 2026 — A newly released watchdog report has uncovered what investigators describe as more than $225 million in alleged K-12 education fraud, exposing a series of schemes involving fake [...]
‘should alarm every family, teacher, and civic leader’
A new report from the State Financial Officers Foundation and Open the Books uncovered nearly 90 alleged fraud schemes involving roughly $225 million across American schools since 2019. The report alleges that school districts have been embezzling funds, creating fake invoices and then pocketing the money, lying about student enrollment numbers to collect more aid, bid-rigging and receiving kickbacks. The SFOF and Open the Books reviewed the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s semiannual report to Congress between 2019 and 2026 — finding that fraud has taken place in 24 states and Puerto Rico. “All fraud is harmful, but defrauding education dollars meant to help kids learn and succeed is especially…Open
'should alarm every family, teacher, and civic leader'