JACKSON — Funding for after-school programs serving 29,000 students across Mississippi has been frozen after the state Department of Education announced federal money that pays for them has been mishandled.
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright is ordering all providers to spend no money until further notice. She says many programs could lose grants as the state tries to repay up to $19 million in federal money. That’s because officials allowed overspending, tried to cover it up by wrongfully dipping into another federal account, and then approved new programs without saving money for continuing programs.
Department spokeswoman Jean Cook says three employees have been fired, but declines to name them or their positions, saying state law doesn’t require the department to discuss personnel issues.
Mississippi gets $14 million yearly for after-school enrichment.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.