In 2014, schools run by Concept in three states were raided by the FBI. In total, nineteen search warrants were executed by the FBI on June 4, 2014.
School openings In 2014,
Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett prohibited the opening of a Concept School in Chicago due to visible mold, water-damaged floors, damaged ceilings, and asbestos.
E-Rate investigation background In June 2014, the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Education, and
Federal Communications Commission conducted joint raids on Concept Schools and several Concept network schools in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio for "allegations of white collar crime," according to FBI spokesperson Vicki Anderson. The raids were in connection with
E-Rate, which provides discounted technology resources to schools, and alleged that Concept Schools diverted $5 million of federal grants away from schools. As of August 2016, no charges have been filed. Following an investigation lasting more than six years, Concept Schools and the Federal Government reached an agreement concluding the matter without any determination of wrongdoing by Concept Schools, Concept network schools, or any Concept or school representative. Further, no criminal or civil action was filed in connection with this matter. As a part of this resolution, Concept Schools also entered into a compliance agreement with the Federal Communications Commission. Concept welcomed the opportunity to further enhance its compliance program through the agreement with the FCC. As a result, Concept redesigned relevant internal quality controls and programs, increasing our efficacy as a quality charter school service provider. The Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Education Office of Inspector General began an investigation more than six years ago into Concept Schools and several Concept-network schools related to funds certain network schools received under the federal “E-Rate Program” to improve technology access in their schools. As soon as Concept Schools became aware of the investigation, it cooperated fully with the government agencies, and it continued to cooperate throughout the investigation. As a part of the investigation, multiple agencies closely reviewed a number of Concept's operations, practices, and functions. Concept Schools values the insights gained over the past six years and looks forward to moving ahead with its core educational mission. Per the
United States Department of Justice, the claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. ==List of schools==