Audit Department Examining Grants, Contracts Beyond GEAR Up

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A review of grants and contracts between the state and a scandal-smeared educational cooperative totals roughly $3 million and goes beyond a college-readiness program that authorities are investigating.

The Department of Legislative Audit has outlined to lawmakers nearly two dozen grants and contracts with Mid-Central Educational Cooperative that are under assessment. The review encompasses state and federal funds.

Governor Dennis Daugaard's chief of staff Tony Venhuizen says the governor believes the thorough review is prudent given the situation at Mid-Central.

The state informed the cooperative it was cancelling its contract for managing the GEAR UP program hours before two employees were involved in a September murder-suicide.

Attorney General Marty Jackley says there's a state-federal investigation surrounding GEAR UP.

Source: Audit Department Examining Grants, Contracts Beyond GEAR Up