A preschool provider received over $300,000 in state grant funding over two years to support 46 kids from low-income households — but enrolled just two children. The Oregon Secretary of State found $1.4 million in potentially wasteful payments across the Preschool Promise program due to inadequate oversight.
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$150K
Grants to Closed Preschools
Oregon Dept of Early Learning and Care
The Oregon Secretary of State found $150,000 in grant payments went to preschool sites during months when they weren't even open. Additional funds went to providers who committed to expanding but never increased enrollment.
$2.9M
Preschool Promise Program Misused $2.9 Million
Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care's Preschool Promise Program mismanaged $2.9 million in questioned costs. The Secretary of State issued a management letter documenting the financial misuse in this state-funded preschool program.
$1.5M
Late Expense Reports — $1.5 Million to One Provider
Oregon Department of Education
One preschool provider received $1.5 million in state funding while repeatedly submitting late expense reports over four years. State auditors found the Department of Education had inadequate processes to enforce timely reporting or penalize noncompliance.