A Special Investigations Unit Report Regarding the Texas Education Agency - Texas SkillsUSA, a Texas Association
July 2006
Report Number 06-048
Overall Conclusion
An investigation by the State Auditor's Office's Special Investigations Unit led to the Public Integrity Unit at the Travis County District Attorney's Office obtaining a plea agreement on April 27, 2006, with Connie Williams Little. Ms. Little was the former executive director of Texas SkillsUSA, a Texas Association (formerly referred to as the Texas SkillsUSA-Vocational Industrial Clubs of America or VICA). In the agreement, Ms. Little was required to make full restitution to Texas SkillsUSA in the amount of $4,858 and to pay $2,000 in investigative costs. Ms. Little pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct and was given a $500 fine. The agreement was finalized on July 5, 2006, after Ms. Little made full restitution to the District Attorney's Office.
Texas SkillsUSA is a student organization dedicated to developing social, leadership, and occupational education programs for young people interested in careers in trade, technical, and health fields.
In September 2002, the Texas Education Agency (Agency) contacted the Special Investigations Unit to initiate an investigation into allegations that the former executive director of Texas SkillsUSA misused the organization's funds, which included federal funds administered by the Agency.
The investigation revealed that in January 2002, Ms. Little submitted false information to the Agency to receive Vocational Service Grant funds and submitted false information in a quarterly financial report. In July 2001, Ms. Little diverted funds from the sale of property belonging to Texas SkillsUSA for her personal use.
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