Audit finds possible fraud in Val Verde ties to Pegasus school in China

California education officials released a 1,000-plus-page audit that says there is "sufficient evidence" of "fraud, misappropriation of funds, or other illegal fiscal practices" in the Val Verde Unified School District’s relationship with Pegasus California School in Qingdao, China.

Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez said the report identified serious concerns and has been turned over to the district attorney and other authorities. The audit examined a partnership that began in 2016 when Val Verde adopted Pegasus as a sister school and approved a 2017 pilot program under which the district issued diplomas to Pegasus graduates.

Auditors concluded the district improperly issued those diplomas and found no evidence Pegasus students met course requirements or proficiency standards; the report also noted Pegasus had guaranteed admission to a top-100 U.S. university or offered refunds.

United States, Riverside County

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