COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Problems with charter schools in Ohio have prompted state lawmakers to add increased oversight and financial accountability.

The measures are contained in the new state budget bill passed by the Ohio House of Representatives on Tuesday. The bill is now pending in the State Senate.

State Auditor Mary Taylor supported the changes. They require charter schools to keep complete financial records in order to continue receiving state funding.

In a written statement Taylor said, “Charter school officials who fail to account for every tax dollar are threatening the success of all others.”

Financial audits of some charter schools have turned up serious problems in the past. In one case, the treasurer of one school was ordered to repay the state $1.4 million.

An audit of the International Preparatory School in Cleveland turned up inflated enrollment numbers.

Another $1.5 million in federal funding at the school was also questioned by the state auditor.

Owners of the school refused to provide financial records to the auditor’s staff. After the records were obtained under subpoena, the financial information provided was incomplete.

jim.otte@whiotv.com