Federal investigation into Florida Department of Education focuses on DeSantis ally.
Federal Investigators Probe Alleged Bid-Rigging Scheme in Florida Department of Education
Federal investigators are currently looking into the Florida Department of Education regarding an alleged bid-rigging scheme for control of a school district in northern Florida. The investigation centers around the department’s attempts to manipulate a contract for district control in favor of a company associated with former Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran.
A federal grand jury issued subpoenas to officials at the Jefferson County School District in June, seeking information on the Florida DOE’s actions. The goal was to uncover any communications between lobbyists, school district officials, and Department of Education personnel in 2021.
The company believed to be connected to Corcoran, MGT Consulting, aimed to secure a contract to transition the school district back to regular status after a year under charter company control. The proposed plan involved utilizing $4 million in coronavirus relief funds to hire consultants for assistance during the transition.
Although the Department of Education ultimately rejected the plan, two officials within the department resigned during the process. Jacob Oliva and Melissa Ramsey faced an investigation by the Florida DOE’s inspector general, but no disciplinary action was taken against them.
Richard Corcoran’s tenure as education commissioner ended in 2022, with Manny Diaz Jr. currently serving as the state’s top education official. The Washington Examiner has reached out to the Florida Department of Education for comment.
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