OIG Investigative Reports, Maine Department of Education to Pay United States $1.5 Million to Settle False Claims Involving Migrant Education Program Skip to main contentAbout UsContact UsFAQs Language Assistance Englishespañol中文: 繁體版Việt-ngữ한국어TagalogРусский U.S. Department of Education Search for: Toggle navigation U.S. Department of Education Student Loans Grants Laws Data About ED OFFICES Home Reports & Resources Programs/Initiatives News Office Contacts Investigative Report Maine Department of Education to Pay United States $1.5 Million to Settle False Claims Involving Migrant Education Program FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, May 21, 2009 WWW.USDOJ.GOV CIV (202) 514-2007 TDD (202) 514-1888 The Maine Department of Education (MDE) has agreed to pay the United States $1.5 million to settle allegations that it submitted false information to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the state education agency's eligibility to receive federal funds under the Migrant Education Program. Under the Migrant Education Program, the U.S. Department of Education provides funds to states and territories to assist state education agencies in providing appropriate educational services that address the special needs of migrant children. The regulations governing the Migrant Education Program enumerate specific criteria for state education agencies to use in identifying migratory children. The states and territories are responsible for providing to the U.S. Department of Education an accurate count of eligible migratory children residing within the State or territory. The United States alleges the MDE, Portland Public Schools, Maine Administrative School District #14 and the Maine Family Resource Center Inc., a non-profit corporation responsible for identifying and servicing migrant children residing in much of the state of Maine, falsely represented the number of eligible migratory children residing within the state for fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004. Based on the false child counts reported by the MDE to the U.S. Department of Education, the defendants received federal funds to which they were not entitled. The United States' amended complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine. "Todays settlement is an example of the Justice Departments work in protecting federal taxpayers dollars and ensuring that federal monies are used for their intended purposes," said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Departments Civil Division. This settlement resulted from collaborative efforts by the Office of the U.S. Attorney for District of Maine; the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Education, Office of General Counsel; and the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. ### 09-501 Top Printable view Share this page Last Modified: 05/26/2009 How Do I Find... Student loans, forgiveness College accreditation No Child Left Behind FERPA FAFSA 1098-E Tax Form 2015 Budget Proposal More > Information About... Transforming Teaching Family and Community Engagement Early Learning K-12 Reforms More > Connect Facebook Twitter YouTube Email RSS Google+ More > MISUSED FOIA OIG Fraud Hotline Our mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. Student Loans Repaying Loans Defaulted Loans Loan Forgiveness Loan Servicers Grants & Programs Apply for Pell Grants Grants Forecast Open Grant Competitions Find Grant Programs by Eligibility Laws & Guidance No Child Left Behind FERPA Civil Rights Data & Research Education Statistics Postsecondary Education Data State Education Data Nation's Report Card What Works Clearinghouse About Us Contact Us ED Offices Jobs News FAQs Budget, Performance Notices FOIAPrivacySecurityInformation qualityInspector GeneralWhitehouse.govUSA.govBenefits.govRegulations.gov
Maine Department of Education to Pay United States $1.5 Million to Settle False Claims Involving Migrant Education Program. Washington, DC, May 21, 2009
Published by the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General on 2009-05-21.
Below is a raw (and likely hideous) rendition of the original report.