Fed Probing Head Start Allegations

Whistleblowers ‘Vindicated:’ Three employees, including the head of human resources, who made allegations about management wrongdoing at a Head Start program in Tennessee say they are “vindicated” by a federal inquiry into the matter. The probe by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reportedly uncovered 19 findings of “non-compliance with law, regulations or performance standards,” according to newspaper The Messenger. Among the allegations are misuse of federal funds by Head Start executives and using employees to perform personal chores. The employees who blew the whistle on management and say they consequently were fired as a result of their allegations are James Churchwell, a maintenance technician; former executive assistant Lora Wofford; and Tiffany Moseley, who served as human resources administrator. The three have been lobbying Tennessee and federal officials to have their jobs reinstated.