Another tid bit - answer to many questions... The GAO did investigate HLA, my phone rang in late winter and dialogue continued through the Congressional and Senate vote. Hollowhead took them for a spin around campus. The agents worked diligently, traveling and unraveling the sinister goings on at HLA...including their take on the ORS in the good state of Georgia and the ORS did not come out with accolades to say the least. Unfortunately the GAO report on HLA was not completed in time for the final May hearing, however their report on HLA went to Congress for review to back up what has been transpiring not only at HLA ( to paraphrase " a perfect example, a class case"), but across our country in these schools. All documents, reports compiled by families and former staff were turned over to the GAO and submitted for Congressional review. Although the GAO does not have authority to prosecute, they can make recommendations to other agencies in the Federal government that do, such as the FBI, IRS, FTC etc for further investigation. "Buccellato did go to Washington", but far from the integrity exhibited in the movie "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington".
I truly was in awe at the capability and the 'means' GAO had at their fingertips, but what struck me most was their humanity. The agents felt the anguish and frustration of making all this garbage come to light and the sorrow which many of the families across the nation share, especially those parents that have lost
their child in one of these schools. The agents dedication was laudable.
Maybe Mr. Buccellato is just "dirty" in his financial dealings(alleged Chapel Fund or disappearance of, use of tax exempt funds for personal use as in "payoffs for "hitting on staff", gifts, family travel, etc)Then there were the allegations of hiring unqualified staff, lack of a Science lab for SACS certification, falsifying records (changing of childrens diagnosis to make them more school eligible among them) torching and shredding records, and a myriad of other egregious allegations. And, yes, there are people and documents to support such allegations, files, well...we were told they all went up in smoke, but many were reportedly shredded by H.E. Off-site back-up anyone? One could argue that Buccellato is no different than our own elected officials..so, oh well.
Well, the GAO seemed to think, NO, to "oh, well". Maybe the investigation has gone further to other agencies, maybe Buccellato will enjoy another 'pass'-
for awhile.... It is amazing when the government calls, who will 'talk'... and 'talk' they did. Time will tell...
As to the settlement, aside from Berger and Montague, the general consesus was shock and thinking it was a joke, or to quote, "you are joking?" "you are kidding?" "Cut and run".."you were screwed"...
