#ANOTHERDAYANOTHERCHARTERSCHOOLSCANDAL
Families left scrambling after public charter school in Peoria announces closure
A Valley public charter school announced that it will close its doors after the school year. On Friday, Sonoran Science Academy in Peoria made the announcement to staff and families of around 200 students at the K-8 school. “She’s been here for four years and I planned on having her stay,” said Parent Lisa Faiella. Faiella is one of the half dozen parents of students at the school Arizona’s Family has spoken to who say they feel shocked, sad, and angry about the announcement. “It was a big shock, especially at this point in time,” said Faiella.
Georgia agency considers closing two charter schools in Cherokee and Fulton
A state agency overseeing charter schools in Georgia could force two of them to close this summer due to financial concerns and troubling academic performances. Commissioners at the State Charter Schools Commission are expected to vote Wednesday on staff recommendations to shutter the over a decade-old Cherokee Charter Academy and the newer Fulton Leadership Academy.
Gary Rubinstein: Success Academy and the Mysterious Disappearance of One of Its Schools
The Success Academy Charter network, led by its founder Eva Moskowitz, has achieved national renown for its test scores. Gary has observed a winnowing of the students as they advance through the grades. He recently noticed that one of its schools had disappeared.
Two Bronx legislators want the city to pay even more for charter rent!
Why do these two Bronx legislators advocate for more funding for charter school facilities, while not mentioning that not a single new Bronx public school is specified to be built in new five-year SCA capital plan? Could it be because of the deep pockets of charter lobbyists perhaps? According to Follow the Money, and the NY State Board of Elections, Dan Loeb, billionaire charter school supporter gave Sepulveda $11,800 in 2020 and $11,000 in 2018, with his wife Margaret Loeb matching both donations, along with another $15,000 from John Petry, another billionaire charter school supporter.
Exeter charter school closing amid investigation into alleged fraud and embezzlement
A charter school in Exeter is closing less than two years after it opened, as former school officials face an ongoing investigation for alleged embezzlement and fraud. Roopenian said the board learned of another “financial discrepancy” last week, and “despite our attempts to find a solution, the board had to make the heartbreaking decision to close the school.”
Update on Epic Charter School Scandal – Epic co-founders agree to preserve bank account assets prosecutors want forfeited
Epic Charter Schools founders who are charged in a massive racketeering and embezzlement case have agreed to preserve a bank account prosecutors want forfeited back to the state if they are convicted.
The Wild West of Education: Extended Interview with Charter School Expert, Dr. Frank Adamson
Dr. Frank Adamson is an associate professor of Education Policy and Leadership Studies at Sacramento State. A leading expert in the education research world, Dr. Adamson has studied the charter system internationally, authored four books and over 40 publications on education matters. He sat down with ABC10 to discuss California’s complex charter school system and respond to findings from our latest investigation, “The Wild West of Education: An Investigation into Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools.”
Dozens of students, staff leave Russell Wilson-backed charter school
In recent months, more than a dozen former students and staff have come forward alleging a chaotic and toxic culture at the school. They accuse its leadership of unprofessionalism, driving out educators and ignoring concerns about educational quality.
Charter conversion bill poses unintended consequences, public school advocates say
“One of the beauties of public schools is that all students are welcome and able to attend,” said Allen. “Which means that those students who are rejected from this charter school would have to end up at another public school.” “Kids could potentially lose the ability to attend their neighborhood school,” said Allen.
LETTER: Charter school group’s meeting raises concern
At the kick-off meeting, social studies teacher Kathy Wardell “promoted the book, ‘Battle for American Minds’ by conservative commentator Pete Hegseth.” The article quotes the book’s Amazon description: “a road map to saving our children from leftist indoctrination.”
Remember feds’ search of Erie Rise charter school and community center? Focus is disclosed
The search of the Erie Rise offices on June 7 concerned a multimillion-dollar federal grant for after-school programs for students from low-income families, a consultant with Erie Rise testified at a hearing on the Erie School District’s request on Thursday.
Four Individuals Charged in $44.6 Million Scheme to Defraud Indiana Department of Education
According to the indictment, between the at least the summer of 2016 and 2018, the defendants allegedly submitted false numbers to IDOE representing the enrollment of over 4,500 students that they knew were not attending IVS or IVPA.
Wyatt Academy charter school in Denver likely to close at end of school year
Wyatt Academy, one of Denver’s oldest charter schools, will likely close at the end of this school year, the latest casualty of declining enrollment and fewer per-pupil dollars. Wyatt has told families to find new schools for their children, but its board hasn’t yet taken a final vote to close.
Rocky Mount charter school leader says ‘coding error’ caused unexplained expenses
The NC Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) Monitoring and Compliance section discovered the unexplained expenses during a review of the school’s finances.
“If the organization is unable to reconcile the journal entries to the detailed transactions and provide the supporting documentation the school will be required to repay the questioned costs that cannot be substantiated,” the NCDPI reviewers wrote.
State orders NC charter school to repay $162,597 it allegedly spent inappropriately
The state Department of Public Instruction presented reports in December alleging conflict of interest violations and misspending of state and federal dollars at Children’s Village Academy in Kinston. On Monday, DPI sent the school a letter ordering it to repay $162,597 in “unallowable costs” in the next 10 days.