Hot line begins after probe into attendance data

COLUMBUS -- Columbus City Schools employees can now anonymously report attendance data manipulation by calling a hot line set up by State Auditor Dave Yost.

The temporary hot line allows school employees to report possible manipulation "without fear of reprisal," according to a release. The Columbus district has come under scrutiny in recent weeks for withdrawing habitually truant students to improve attendance rates and test scores.

Toledo Public Schools has admitted to similar practices, and Mr. Yost's office has launched a statewide investigation into how many other districts use similar techniques. His office is also investigating whether Ohio Department of Education officials were complicit, or provided poor oversight in data reporting.

No similar hot line is planned for TPS employees yet, according to a spokesman for the auditor's office, but one may be set up in the future.