AUSTIN – Two former inspectors for the Texas Education Agency sued the agency Thursday, alleging they were wrongfully fired for trying to investigate fraud and waste in the TEA and certain school districts – and then speaking out when their efforts were blocked.

The lawsuit by James Catazaro and Jim Lyde leveled its most serious allegations against state Education Commissioner Robert Scott and his aides, accusing them of repeatedly thwarting investigations by the agency's Office of Inspector General.

They said the inspector general's office has not been allowed to investigate fraud, waste and misuse of public money "since Mr. Robert Scott assumed control of the agency."