School officials are mum as the Columbus City Schools investigation expands.
A letter obtained by 10TV reveals that the state auditor is expanding his investigation beyond just manipulation of attendance records, to include the possibility of manipulation of grades.
To the chagrin of her staff, 10TV's Glenn McEntyre caught up with Columbus City Schools Superintendent Gene Harris Tuesday night at an event honoring students.
"I'm not going to comment on that today," Harris said. "I think we've already provided you a statement. I'm going to leave it with that. I don't think it's appropriate for me to have that conversation here."
As Harris refused comment, her staffer forced 10TV's photographer from the building. Outside the event, 10TV caught up with several school board members, all of whom denied knowledge of the day's developments.
Other school officials said that they were unaware of the investigation.
When asked if he was satisfied with the integrity of Columbus City Schools, board member Mike Wiles said that he was.
"I think we have good integrity," Wiles said. "I'm kind of perplexed by what's going on here."
The Auditor's Office also accuses Columbus City Schools of interfering with the investigation, questioning staffers who've given statements to the auditor about what they were asked and how they answered.
The statement released by Columbus City Schools said only that the District is aware that federal authorities are now involved, and that the district is cooperating.
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Previous Stories:
Nov. 13, 2012: State Auditor To Recommend Criminal Charges Against Columbus City School District
October 18, 2012: Columbus Schools Releases Documents That Led To Attendance Reporting Investigation
October 4, 2012: Columbus Schools Attendance Policy Among 5 Questioned
September 10, 2012: School Attendance Scandal Costing Taxpayers Thousands
September 10, 2012: Auditor: Probe Not Affected By Report Card Release
August 10, 2012: Auditor Receives 2 Dozen Calls Regarding School Attendance Investigation
August 9, 2012: Hotline Established For Columbus School Employees To Report Attendance Record Manipulation
August 7, 2012: Superintendent: District Did Not Manipulate Data To ‘Cheat
June 15, 2012: Columbus Schools Putting Microscope To Attendance Reporting; Inconsistencies Found