25 Investigates: EEC Commissioner resigns, under investigation by MA Inspector General

BOSTON — The Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care {EEC} resigned. And 25 Investigates has learned the resignation comes amid a state investigation.

Sources tell 25 investigates there is an active investigation by the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General into EEC Commissioner Samantha Aigner-Treworgy. According to our sources, it involves a contract that she arranged herself and gave to an individual.

25 investigates was in Boston in January when Aigner-Treworgy was alongside Governor Charlie Baker to announce a first in the nation statewide testing initiative for early education centers.

Aigner-Treworgy has been the EEC Commissioner since August of 2019.

25 Investigates obtained emails that went out to EEC staff members and daycare providers today.

In a letter to daycare providers, Aigner-Treworgy wrote in part “I have spoken with the EEC Board, and we have agreed that the time is right for me to move on from my position and allow for a change in leadership at EEC. Of course, leaving is not easy, but after much reflection, I believe it is the right decision for me, my family, and for the next chapter in EEC’s work.”

The resignation is effective March 8th when the EEC board meets again. The board is then expected to appoint an acting commissioner.

25 Investigates has reached out to the Governor’s office for comment about the resignation and the investigation.

We have also reached out to EEC for comment about Aigner-Treworgy resignation and the IG’s investigation. The agency did not offer comment.

But State Senator Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen), a candidate for State Auditor, told 25 Investigates more accountability of the agency is necessary and is calling for an audit of EEC.

“Now more than ever, we need to ensure that there’s accountability and transparency regarding the dollars that are meant to be going towards EEC and DCF [Department of Children and Families],” said DiZoglio.  “We need to go beyond just doing financial audits and do qualitative ones and look at the processes and the procedures that agencies like EEC, and DCF as well, are implementing or not implementing when it comes to protecting our children.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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