Concept Schools
{{Short description|US nonprofit organization}}
{{Infobox organization
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| formation = {{start date and age|1999}}
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| type = 501(c)(3)
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| headquarters = Schaumburg, Illinois
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| region = Midwestern United States
| services = Charter school management
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| leader_title = CEO
| leader_name = Sedat Duman
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| revenue_year = {{FY|2023}}
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| staff = 80
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| website = {{URL|http://www.conceptschools.org/}}
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Concept Schools is a nonprofit charter school management company.{{Cite news|url=http://www.conceptschools.org/mission-vision/|title=Mission & Vision -|access-date=2020-10-07|language=en-US}}
The group currently operates or manages thirty five tuition-free science, technology and math-focused schools in seven Midwest states. Serving more than 14,000 students, Concept-managed schools are located in urban areas in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri.[http://www.conceptschools.org/network/ Concept Schools Member Schools] Out of roughly 14,000 students, 86% are minority students and 85% come from economically disadvantaged families.
Beginning with the 2013–2014 school year, Concept Schools is the charter operator for Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park, Horizon Science Academy Belmont, and Horizon Science Academy Southwest Chicago. The concept entered into a management agreement with local school boards to provide operational and academic services to manage an additional 32 charter public schools.
School Governance is the responsibility of the Board of Directors of each school. Each Board is the charter holder and is held accountable by a charter authorizer. Each Board provides oversight and accountability in the management of the school, including financial oversight exercised by a review of financial updates at each Board meeting.
Ohio schools
In 2009, Horizon Science Academy Cleveland received a National Blue Ribbon Award from the US Department of education. Three years later, the Horizon Science Academy High School in Columbus received a National Blue Ribbon as well.{{Cite web|url=http://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/list-2003.pdf|title=National Blue Ribbon Schools Recognized 1982-2015|last=|first=|date=2015-09-30|website=National Blue Ribbon Schools Program|publisher=U.S. Department of Education|access-date=2016-05-25}} In 2014, Concept Schools in Ohio and two other states were served search warrants alleging embezzlement of federal grants, though no criminal charges were filed by 2016. In March 2020, the Ohio Auditor of State reported that 14 institutions run by Concept Schools in Ohio had clean audit records.{{cite web|title=Auditor Faber Announces Auditor of State Award Recipients|publisher=Ohio Auditor of State|date=March 19, 2020|url=https://www.ohioauditor.gov/news/pressreleases/Details/5446}} Schools with "clean" audit reports submit financial reports did not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Uniform Guidance findings or questioned costs. Two of those schools—HSA Denison Middle School and HSA Columbus Middle School—were awarded the 2019 Momentum Award by the Ohio Department of Education. The Momentum Award recognizes institutions that exceeded expectations for learning outcomes of for students in certain demographics.{{cite web |title=ODE Momentum Awards |url=http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/District-and-School-Continuous-Improvement/Awards-and-Recognition/Momentum-Award}}
In the media
In 2014, schools run by Concept in three states were raided by the FBI. In total, nineteen search warrants were executed by the FBI on June 4, 2014.{{cite web |url=http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/fbi-raids-concept-schools-illinois-2-other-states/tue-06102014-557pm |title=FBI raids Concept Schools in Illinois, 2 other states | Early & Often |accessdate=2014-08-28 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709075815/http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/fbi-raids-concept-schools-illinois-2-other-states/tue-06102014-557pm |archivedate=2014-07-09 }}
= School openings =
In 2014, Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett prohibited the opening of a Concept School in Chicago due to visible mold, water-damaged floors, damaged ceilings, and asbestos.{{cite web |url=http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/leaky-roof-mold-asbestos-found-concept-schools%E2%80%99-chatham-site/sun-08242014-823pm |title=Leaky roof, mold, asbestos found at Concept Schools' Chatham site | Early & Often |accessdate=2014-08-28 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827204544/http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/leaky-roof-mold-asbestos-found-concept-schools%E2%80%99-chatham-site/sun-08242014-823pm |archivedate=2014-08-27 }}
= E-Rate investigation background =
In June 2014, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Education, and Federal Communications Commission conducted joint raids on Concept Schools and several Concept network schools in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio for "allegations of white collar crime," according to FBI spokesperson Vicki Anderson.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140611/mckinley-park/concept-schools-raided-by-feds|title=Concept Schools Raided by Feds|website=DNAinfo Chicago|access-date=2016-05-24|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701150251/https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140611/mckinley-park/concept-schools-raided-by-feds|archivedate=2016-07-01}} The raids were in connection with E-Rate, which provides discounted technology resources to schools, and alleged that Concept Schools diverted $5 million of federal grants away from schools.{{cite news|author1=Dan Mihalopoulos |author2=Jon Seidel |date=Aug 9, 2016|title=THE WATCHDOGS: Charter firm suspected of cheating federal grant program|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/8/9/18428444/the-watchdogs-charter-firm-suspected-of-cheating-federal-grant-program|access-date=7 October 2020}} As of August 2016, no charges have been filed.
= E-Rate investigation resolution, October 2020 =
Concept Schools resolved federal investigation related to the E-Rate Technology Program.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-03|title=Illinois-Based Charter School Management Company To Pay $4.5 Million To Settle Claims Relating To E-Rate Contracts|url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/illinois-based-charter-school-management-company-pay-45-million-settle-claims-relating-e-rate|access-date=2020-12-08|website=www.justice.gov|language=en}}
Following an investigation lasting more than six years, Concept Schools and the Federal Government reached an agreement concluding the matter without any determination of wrongdoing by Concept Schools, Concept network schools, or any Concept or school representative. Further, no criminal or civil action was filed in connection with this matter.
As a part of this resolution, Concept Schools also entered into a compliance agreement with the Federal Communications Commission. Concept welcomed the opportunity to further enhance its compliance program through the agreement with the FCC. As a result, Concept redesigned relevant internal quality controls and programs, increasing our efficacy as a quality charter school service provider.
The Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Education Office of Inspector General began an investigation more than six years ago into Concept Schools and several Concept-network schools related to funds certain network schools received under the federal “E-Rate Program” to improve technology access in their schools.
As soon as Concept Schools became aware of the investigation, it cooperated fully with the government agencies, and it continued to cooperate throughout the investigation. As a part of the investigation, multiple agencies closely reviewed a number of Concept's operations, practices, and functions. Concept Schools values the insights gained over the past six years and looks forward to moving ahead with its core educational mission.
Per the United States Department of Justice, the claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.{{cite web|date=November 5, 2020|title=Concept Schools Resolves Federal Investigation Related to E-Rate Technology Program|url=https://www.pressreleasepoint.com/concept-schools-resolves-federal-investigation-related-e-rate-technology-program|website=PressReleasePoint|accessdate=5 November 2020}}
List of schools
;Chicago Region
- Chicago Math and Science Academy{{cite web | title=Who are we? | website=Chicago Math and Science Academy | url=https://www.cmsaonline.net/apps/pages/?uREC_ID=2625853&type=d&pREC_ID=2303683 | access-date=11 February 2025}}
- Horizon Science Academy- McKinley Park
- Horizon Science Academy- Belmont Elementary
- Horizon Science Academy - Belmont High School
- Horizon Science Academy- Southwest Chicago
;St. Louis Region
- Gateway Science Academy - Smiley
- Gateway Science Academy - South
- Gateway Science Academy - Fyler High School (Grades 9-10)
- Gateway Science Academy - Fyler High School (Grades 11-12)
- Gateway Science Academy - Fyler Middle School
;Ohio
- Horizon Science Academy- Cincinnati
- Horizon Science Academy- Columbus Primary School
- Horizon Science Academy- Columbus Elementary School
- Horizon Science Academy- Columbus Middle School
- Horizon Science Academy- Columbus High School (Grades 9-10)
- Horizon Science Academy- Columbus High School (Grades 11-12)
- Noble Academy Columbus
- Horizon Science Academy- Dayton Elementary School
- Horizon Science Academy- Dayton High School
- Horizon Science Academy- Dayton Downtown
- Horizon Science Academy- Cleveland Middle School
- Horizon Science Academy- Cleveland High School
- Horizon Science Academy- Denison School
- Horizon Science Academy- Lorain
- Horizon Science Academy- Springfield
- Horizon Science Academy- Toledo
- Horizon Science Academy- Youngstown
- Horizon Science Academy-Austintown
- Noble Academy Cleveland
;Indianapolis Region
- Indiana Math & Science Academy - West
- Indiana Math & Science Academy - North
;Michigan
- Michigan Math & Science Academy - Dequindre
- Michigan Math & Science Academy - Lorraine
;Minnesota
- Minnesota Math and Science Academy
- Horizon Science Academy - Twin Cities