A firm hired to investigate the El Paso Independent School District after a cheating scandal that landed the former superintendent in prison has upped its fees by nearly $200,000.
The El Paso Times reports Weaver and Tidwell LLP initially agreed to a fee of $579,000, but asked for more money. The school board agreed to pay the firm nearly $200,000 more. A draft audit has been issued to school officials.
The Texas Education Agency required an independent review into the scheme that forced students to drop out so they wouldn't take accountability exams. In addition to the imprisonment of the ex-superintendent, several other school officials have resigned.
The auditing firm has said it increased hours to finish the audit by February. One partner billed the district $320 per hour.
Information from: El Paso Times.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.