Houston ISD Settles Bribe Claims

HOUSTON (AP) _ The state’s largest public school system has agreed to pay $850,000 as part of a civil settlement relating to claims employees accepted meals and other gifts in connection with a federal technology program.

The agreement settles allegations against the Houston school district by the Justice Department that the district provided false information to the Federal Communications Commission’s E-Rate program, which provides funding for needy schools and libraries to connect to and utilize the Internet.

The Justice Department said Monday the Houston district also engaged in noncompetitive bidding practices for E-Rate contracts.

Greg Meyers, Houston school district board president, said settling the allegations was a sound business decision that will help level the digital playing field for students by restoring school technology funding awards.

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