Citing concerns about student safety, a state audit found that several private special education programs failed to perform criminal background checks and employee history verification requirements.

“Local education agencies placed students at private providers that did not meet all standards, statutory requirements, and regulations,” the audit stated. “The nature of noncompliance increased student safety risks and could prevent students from receiving a free and appropriate public education.”

The audit also found that the schools did not deliver certain services required by student individualized education programs (IEPs).

“Children who are placed outside of the district are generally children with the most significant needs and the most vulnerable children in our student population,

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