CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Treasurer Larry Pack’s office has released more details about ongoing investigations into several Hope Scholarship schools.
Pack, who is chairman of the board, announced last Thursday that Tygart Valley Christian Academy was permanently disqualified from participating the Hope Scholarship program.
Pack’s office told MetroNews Monday that the academy “failed to repay funds due back to the Hope Scholarship Program despite repeated attempts and violation of the Education Service Provider agreement of accessing a student’s Hope Scholarship account without being the account holder.”
Because of that, Tygart Valley Christian Academy was banned. Pack’s office said the school has 45 days to appeal the decision.
Three Laurel Academy locations — in Terra Alta, Newburg, and Parsons — were placed on probation by the board as well. Pack’s office said the move was made because of “incorrect processing of student withdrawals and difficulty resolving repayment issues to the Hope Scholarship Program.”
During probation, Hope Scholarship staff will review Laurel Academy invoices on-site before sending money to the school. The board will hear an update in September about the academy.
Another school was permanently disqualified from the Hope Scholarship Program, A Broken Spur Riding Academy in Summers County. The academy is located in the Jumping Branch community. The school website said it serves adults and children with disabilities and special needs. The school was disqualified due to “serious allegations.”
“A parent reported a serious violation of the Hope Scholarship Act regarding an individual who may have been present at the location,” Pack’s office stated.
Just like Tygart Valley Christian Academy, A Broken Spur Riding Academy has 45 days to appeal the decision.
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 month that more than 26,000 students have applied for full funding through the Hope program for this coming school year.