INFO LINE (Washington, D.C.)

May 22, 2009

Maine Department of Education to Pay United States $1.5 Million to Settle False Claims Involving Migrant Education Program

Washington, D.C. - The Maine Department of Education (MDE) has agreed to pay the United States $1.5 million to settle allegations that it submitted false information to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the state education agency’s eligibility to receive federal funds under the Migrant Education Program.

Under the Migrant Education Program, the U.S. Department of Education provides funds to states and territories to assist state education agencies in providing appropriate educational services that address the special needs of migrant children. The regulations governing the Migrant Education Program enumerate specific criteria for state education agencies to use in identifying migratory children. The states and territories are responsible for providing to the U.S. Department of Education an accurate count of eligible migratory children residing within the State or territory.

The United States alleges the MDE, Portland Public Schools, Maine Administrative School District #14 and the Maine Family Resource Center Inc., a non-profit corporation responsible for identifying and servicing migrant children residing in much of the state of Maine, falsely represented the number of eligible migratory children residing within the state for fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004. Based on the false child counts reported by the MDE to the U.S. Department of Education, the defendants received federal funds to which they were not entitled. The United States’ amended complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine.

"Today’s settlement is an example of the Justice Department’s work in protecting federal taxpayers’ dollars and ensuring that federal monies are used for their intended purposes," said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Department's Civil Division.

This settlement resulted from collaborative efforts by the Office of the U.S. Attorney for District of Maine; the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Education, Office of General Counsel; and the Civil Division of the Department of Justice.