An audit has revealed disturbing details about special education resources in the state of Massachusetts, and has led state auditor Suzanne Bump to call for a dramatic increase in state oversight of special education service providers to school districts. Her audit turned up millions in wasted tax payer funds that were misspent by special education agencies and collaboratives.

For example, the audit identified over $37 million in questionable expenses during a two year period by the Merrimack Special Education Collaborative alone. These expenses included luxurious golf retreats and other lavish entertainment spending, as well as salary expenses that could be considered state pension abuse. There were also improper charges made by related nonprofits to the collaborative. Audits of the READ Collaborative, the Southeastern Massachusetts Education Collaborative, and the MSEC turned up similar abuses.