Lawyer: Education Partnership finances in disarray

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The records of the defunct nonprofit Education Partnership are in such disarray that a forensic accountant must review them, a lawyer for the partnership told a judge.

Attorney Allan Shine, who was appointed to oversee the nonprofit's finances, told a Superior Court judge Tuesday that among those owed money are 95 college students who were promised about $177,000 in scholarships.

The Education Partnership, an advocacy organization backed by local businesses, went into receivership last month, in part because several contracts to produce research and reports for municipalities and school districts fell through. They also gave scholarships to Rhode Island students.

Money from different sources -- including federal grants and scholarship funds -- were apparently mingled with money used to pay operational expenses.

"It will take us awhile to sort this out," Shine said.

Judge Michael Silverstein has scheduled a court hearing on July 21 to appoint a forensic examiner.

Kellie Randall, who graduated from Exeter-West Greenwich High School last month, said her college plans could be derailed unless she receives a $10,000 scholarship promised by the partnership. She had planned to attend the Community College of Rhode Island, then transfer to Rhode Island College to study early childhood education.

Randall said her mother is single parent with three children and money is tight.

"I will have to take the time off and just keep working and try to save money for later," she said.

Assistant Attorney General James Lee said prosecutors also are reviewing the organization's financial records.

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/