IDEA Public Schools reaches settlement with TEA conservatorship

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As IDEA Public Schools aims to resolve compliance issues after an internal investigation in 2021, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will now act as a conservator and provide insight, IDEA Public Schools said in a statement to KXAN Wednesday.

The statement said IDEA was pleased to reach a settlement agreement with the TEA and the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to resolve compliance issues self reported by the organization after an internal investigation back in 2021. This is when the organization "invited the additional oversight" from the TEA.

"Before 2020, the priority at IDEA was rapid growth, but there lacked a parallel emphasis on ensuring that the funds fueling that growth were properly administered and documented as required by law. IDEA has since installed new board members and executive leadership, enlarged the staff responsible for grant management and compliance, and strengthened internal controls and auditing procedures," the statement said.

Additionally, IDEA said it is returning $28.7 million in grant and formula funding to the DOE with monthly installments through December 2026. The organization said those funds "were reserved in a prior fiscal year to ensure repayment has a negligible impact on IDEA’s students and staff. "

 IDEA said it continues to see academic progress, and is reaching settlement agreements with the DOE and TEA to close a difficult chapter for the organization.