CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Treasurer Larry Pack has announced the Hope Scholarship Board has taken action in connection with a fraud investigation.
A news release said the board recently acted to “permanently disqualify Tygart Valley Christian Academy from participation in the Hope Scholarship Program for financial misconduct.”
“We want to make clear that while there is very little fraud and misconduct in the Hope Scholarship Program, we want to take swift and decisive action when our investigations warrant it,” Pack, who serves as the Hope Board’s chairman, said in the news release.
Pack’s office told MetroNews it could not provide further information on the investigation at this time.
Tygart Valley Christian Academy is located in the Randolph County town of Beverly. The school’s website says it’s been providing a quality education for more than 20 years including an in-school and home school option.
The Hope Board also placed Laurel Academy of West Virginia, which is located in Terra Alta, Preston County, on probation due to violations of program rules.
“The school will be required to come into compliance with all program requirements during the probationary period,” the state Treasurer’s Office news release said.
Laurel Academy has a note posted on its Facebook page to its parents:
“Parents, You may have noticed an email from the HOPE Scholarship in your inbox. Don’t panic! If you have any questions about what it means or need help understanding it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us.We’re more than happy to answer your questions.”
The Hope Scholarship program is an education savings account where the state money set aside for a child’s education follows the child. Expenses are considered by the Hope Board for payout which can include private and home school education.
Pack announced last week that more than 26,000 students have applied for full funding through the Hope program for this coming school year.