Federal prosecutors have launched a rare special grand jury probe into D.C. public schools, zeroing in on truancy, graduation rates and attendance records.
The investigation, which was first reported by The Washington Post, is examining the supervision and oversight of young people in the nations capital, according to people familiar with the matter.
This is about “safeguarding youth in the District,” a law enforcement official told Fox News.
Teachers and other personnel at several D.C. Public Schools campuses have been contacted in recent days about student absences, graduation practices and the way attendance is documented, the Washington Post reported. At least one person has already testified before the panel, while others are expected to appear in the coming days, according to the outlet.
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The use of a special grand jury is unusual. Fox News is told a judge must approve the creation of such a panel, which can conduct a sweeping investigation and issue a detailed report on its findings even if prosecutors ultimately file no criminal charges.
A spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirros office told the Washington Post it could neither confirm nor deny an investigation.
The office of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said its focus remains on the new school year.
“Our focus remains on welcoming students and families back for a strong start to the new school year, and that is what we want our principals and teachers focused on as well,” the mayors office told the Washington Post. “We make all school data public and will continue to do so.”
The Washington Post reported that senior prosecutor Steven Vandervelden, one of Pirros top allies in the U.S. attorneys office, is overseeing the inquiry.
Pirro has repeatedly linked school truancy to youth crime and disruptive teen gatherings in the District. At a May news conference, she said authorities could take action when teens repeatedly break curfew or skip school.
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“Were coming for you, and were coming for your parents,” Pirro said.
She also said her office wanted school records involving students accused of chronic truancy and curfew violations, according to the Washington Post. The outlet reported that the city did not voluntarily turn over those records.
The new probe comes years after D.C. schools were rocked by a graduation scandal</a
