Admin

Reporting Fraud

Reporting Fraud, Waste,
Unethical Behavior and Corruption

Orange County Public Schools ("OCPS") is committed to cultivating high ethical standards and to promoting conduct that strengthens public trust and confidence in the integrity of the school system. Therefore, it is in the public's interest to encourage the reporting of:

  • Theft
  • Fraud
  • Waste
  • Unethical Behavior
  • Corruption
  • Violation of School Board policies, management directives, or regulations
  • Conflicts of Interest

Reports will be given careful attention and handled promptly and discreetly. The information submitted using the Fraud Report Form will be submitted directly to the school system’s Office of Legal Services to facilitate the investigation. You may submit a fraud report by using the online Fraud Reporting form.

Anonymous Reports

You may submit a report anonymously and remain anonymous. However, should additional information or clarification be required, without a means to contact you, the investigation could cease without no further action. Concerns expressed anonymously will be investigated, but consideration will be given to:

  • The seriousness of the issues raised;
  • The credibility of the concerns; and
  • The likelihood of confirming the allegations from attributed sources.
False Accusations

False accusations have serious effects on innocent persons, waste OCPS resources, and are unacceptable. Any employee that knowingly, maliciously, or recklessly makes false statements or presents inaccurate information will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable law and collective bargaining agreements. The fact that a complaint is not substantiated does not mean that the complaint was maliciously or recklessly made.  

FAQs

How to Make a Report?

You may submit a fraud report by using the online Fraud Reporting form. 

What is Theft of School District Funds, Property, and/or Resources?

"Theft"  is misappropriating or stealing of cash, OCPS assets including inventory, supplies and/or fixed assets.

What is Fraud?

“Fraud” generally involves a willful or deliberate act or omission with the intention of obtaining an unauthorized benefit, service, property or something of value by deception, misrepresentation or other unethical or unlawful means. “Fraud” can be committed through many methods, including mail, wire, telephone and the Internet. Fraudulent, unethical and other dishonest acts may include, but are not limited to:

  • Forgery or altering district documents or computer records;
  • Falsification or misrepresentation of reports, including time sheets, travel reimbursement or other expense reimbursement reports;
  • Authorizing or receiving payment for time not worked;
  • Misappropriation of school district funds, property, supplies or other assets;
  • Unauthorized use or destruction of School Board records or property;
  • Impropriety in handling or reporting of money or financial transactions;
  • Engaging in activities that result in a conflict of interest; or
  • Disclosing confidential or proprietary information to unauthorized individuals.

What is Waste?

“Waste” includes the intentional or unintentional expenditure, mismanagement, or squandering of OCPS resources. "Waste"  also includes incurring unnecessary costs because of inefficient or ineffective practices, systems, or controls. 

What is Unethical Behavior?

“Unethical Behavior" means any action by an OCPS official or employee undertaken in the performance of official duties, whether or not the action is within the scope of employment, that: 
  • Violates any federal, state, or local statute or rule;
  • Is an abuse of authority;
  • Is of substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety; or,
  • Results in a gross waste of public funds or resources.

“Unethical Behavior” excludes personnel matters, including but not limited to, employee grievances, complaints, appointments, promotions, transfers, assignments, reassignments, reemployments, performance evaluations, reductions in pay, dismissals, suspensions, demotions, reprimands, or alleged violations of collective bargaining agreements.

What is Corruption?

"Corruption" is a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire personal benefit. Corruption may include many activities such as bribery or embezzlement. Corruption occurs when an office-holder or other governmental employee acts in an official capacity for personal gain.

What is a Violation of School Board Policies, Management Directives, or Regulations?

A "violation of School Board Policies, Management Directives, or Regulations” means the act of willfully disregarding established OCPS policies, management directives, or State of Florida rules or regulations leading to potential consequences.

What is a Conflict of Interest?

A “conflict of Interest” is any situation in which regard for a private interest tends to lead to disregard of a public duty or interest. 

What will happen after you report?

OCPS takes all complaints and reports seriously. All allegations of improper activities or actions are thoroughly evaluated. The district will make every effort to conduct or cause to be conducted a thorough investigation of employees, contractors, or vendors as necessary and appropriate and in accordance with applicable laws, codes, policies, or regulations in a prompt manner after the report is received. You can assist us in our investigation by providing as much information as possible.

Pursuant to the Florida Whistleblower's Act, contained in sections 112.3187-112.31895, Florida Statutes, certain individuals who report violations of are protected from retaliation for disclosing instances of theft, fraud, waste, unethical behavior, corruption, violation of School Board policies, management directives, or regulations, or conflict of interest. The name or identity of the reporting individual is confidential.

Section 112.3188(2)(b), Florida Statutes, provides confidentiality for those records relating to the agency’s active investigation of a whistleblower complaint and is not limited to those records received as part of an active investigation of a complaint of retaliation. However, while the name or identity of the individual disclosing this information is confidential, the initial report of wrongdoing received by the agency is a public record, since that information was received before an investigation was initiated.

 

What if I suffered retaliation for making a report?

If you believe that you have experienced an adverse action resulting from a report submitted through this process, you may report your concerns to Professional Standards.