Scrutinized charter school group to apply again in Tennessee
December 6, 2022 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A contentious charter school operator linked to a conservative Michigan college is taking another swing at opening schools in three Tennessee counties that have previously rejected them, as well as in two new counties.
Sickness affecting 48 at charter school still unexplained
November 6, 2022 GMTHANOVER, Pa. (AP) — Authorities say they still don't know what caused several dozen children and adults to fall ill at an eastern Pennsylvania school last week, prompting an evacuation.
Nearly 40 students, staff become ill at Pennsylvania school
November 4, 2022 GMTHANOVER, Pa. (AP) — Nearly 40 students and staffers at a charter school complex in eastern Pennsylvania were taken to hospitals Friday for evaluation after several people reported not feeling well, but authorities said it was not immediately clear what may have caused the issue.
Battle rages in W.Va. over control of public school policy
October 24, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Voters in West Virginia will get the final say on a ballot question that would amend the state constitution to give the Republican-dominated legislature control over virtually every aspect of public schooling.
New Orleans pastor admits defrauding church, school of $900K
October 19, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — A well-known Baptist minister in New Orleans and Baton Rouge for more than 30 years has admitted defrauding his church, its housing ministries, his congregations and a charter school of almost $900,000.
Scrutinized charter school operator drops Tennessee appeals
September 29, 2022 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A contentious charter school operator linked to a conservative Michigan college has dropped its appeals in Tennessee seeking to open three schools there, despite local school boards rejecting their initial request.
NC school asks Supreme Court to review dress code ruling
September 15, 2022 GMTLELAND, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina charter school is petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider an appeals court ruling that the school violated female students’ constitutional rights by requiring them to wear skirts.
Tennessee appeal hearings start on rejected charter schools
September 15, 2022 GMTMURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee panel has kicked off hearings over whether to let charter schools linked to Hillsdale College open despite rejections from local school boards, a process unfolding in the wake of controversial comments about teachers by Hillsdale's president.
Tennessee staff fret as contentious charter school denied
September 13, 2022 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — When local school officials voted down a Tennessee charter school linked to Hillsdale College this summer, staffers at the state commission that would soon have to decide whether to let the controversial school open anyway reacted with shock at how things unfolded.
Massachusetts student receives uniform violation for hijab
August 21, 2022 GMTMALDEN, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts charter school where an eighth grade student was written up for a uniform infraction for wearing a hijab says it understands its “handling of the situation came across as insensitive.”
Tennessee’s embrace of conservative Michigan college sours
July 30, 2022 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The president of Michigan's Hillsdale College was riding high earlier this year when he announced plans to launch 50 charter schools in Tennessee after Gov. Bill Lee originally asked for 100.
Ex-White House aide: 1 year in prison for $218K school scam
July 28, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — A former White House adviser under President Barack Obama was sentenced Thursday to a year in prison for stealing $218,000 from a national charter school network he founded.
Correction: Charter School-Fund Misappropriation story
July 14, 2022 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — In a story published July 12, 2022, about (topic), The Associated Press erroneously reported (add details about the error).
Governor in hot seat after charter leader lambasts teachers
July 6, 2022 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gov. Bill Lee on Wednesday refused to rebut recently revealed remarks made by a charter school president who claimed that teachers “are trained in the dumbest parts of the dumbest colleges” during a reception the Republican attended.
Epic Charter School founders, ex-CFO facing criminal charges
June 23, 2022 GMTOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The founders and former chief financial officer of Epic Charter Schools were arrested Thursday and are facing felony criminal charges alleging they diverted millions of taxpayer dollars in a complicated scheme that involved excessive management fees, state investigators said.
Federal court: NC school can’t require girls to wear skirts
June 14, 2022 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A North Carolina charter school violated female students' constitutional rights by requiring them to wear skirts, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
Approved West Virginia charter school won’t open this fall
May 26, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A charter school approved to open in West Virginia this fall has been delayed after a suitable location couldn’t be found.
Utah AG memo: School book removal can violate 1st Amendment
May 14, 2022 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Supreme Court has long recognized that students have their own First Amendment rights in school.
Removing books from school libraries, as some parent groups and individuals in Utah have pushed local school boards and administrators to do this school year over what they deem inappropriate content, “can constitute an official suppression of ideas, in violation of the First Amendment,” says a new memo sent to schools by the Utah Attorney General’s Office.
Missouri lawmakers approve more charter school funding
May 12, 2022 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri charter schools are set to get a funding increase under legislation sent to the governor's desk Thursday.
The Republican-led House voted 116-29 to pass the bill, which calls for at least $62 million more for those schools per year.
Culture war and COVID-19 dominate superintendent races
May 11, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Georgia's Republican primary for state superintendent of schools is filled with sharp clashes over which of the two candidates performed worse at the job, while the four Democrats seeking the post say they want to steer the state's school system away from the Republican-driven culture-war clashes that dominated much of this year's legislative session.
Audit: NC charter school falsified enrollment for more money
April 27, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Staff at a now-closed North Carolina charter school falsified enrollment numbers to obtain more than $400,000 in state money that it wasn't entitled to, according to a state audit released Wednesday.
Kentucky Rep. Chad McCoy to retire at end of current term
April 15, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky state Rep. Chad McCoy, a member of the House leadership team who helped navigate a charter schools bill into law, said he will retire from the legislature when his current term ends.
Charter school bus company to pay fine for safety violations
April 14, 2022 GMTTACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A charter school bus company that operates in Washington state has settled a complaint over safety violations with state regulators.
The Utilities and Transportation Commission announced a $198,000 settlement with Ohio-based First Student Inc.
Kentucky lawmakers override series of gubernatorial vetoes
April 14, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Kentucky swept aside a series of vetoes by the Democratic governor on Wednesday as they worked through a packed agenda with the end of this year's session in sight.
Kentucky governor vetoes charter school bill
April 7, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear rejected another Republican education priority Thursday, vetoing a bill aimed at launching charter schools in Kentucky and supplying them with funding.
NC court halts suit fighting municipal charter school option
April 5, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina lawsuit that attempts to block a law permitting four Charlotte-area municipalities to operate their own charter schools can't go forward, the state Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.
Kentucky lawmakers give final passage to charter school bill
March 30, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky's GOP-run legislature signaled Tuesday it's ready to put charter schools to the test, likely setting up a policy showdown with the Democratic governor over a hot-button education issue.
Charter schools bill clears Kentucky Senate committee
March 28, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A bill aimed at jump-starting the introduction of charter schools in Kentucky won approval from a Senate panel on Monday, putting it one vote away from clearing the Republican-led legislature.
New Orleans schools chief finalists from all 3 U.S. coasts
March 23, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Orleans Parish School Board has chosen an Alabama school superintendent, an official of a Los Angeles nonprofit and a Florida educational consultant as finalists for superintendent of a system made up largely of charter schools.
Charter school bill wins passage in Kentucky House
March 22, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — After years of inaction, charter schools would gain a foothold in Kentucky and be supplied with a permanent funding stream under a bill that won passage Tuesday in the state House.
Charter school bill narrowly clears Kentucky House committee
March 22, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — After years of inaction, charter schools would gain a foothold in Kentucky and be supplied with a permanent funding stream under a bill advanced by Republican lawmakers Tuesday.
Pennsylvania approves stronger charter school regulations
March 21, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania regulatory board on Monday approved Gov. Tom Wolf's proposal to subject charter schools to stronger ethics and accounting standards and to try to root out discriminatory admissions decisions, perhaps the biggest update to a quarter-century-old law stuck in the past because of political deadlock.
West Virginia board OKs contracts for public charter schools
March 16, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Contracts have been approved for five public charter schools in West Virginia.
The West Virginia Professional Charter School Board announced the approval Tuesday, West Virginia Public Broadcasting reported.
Audit: Teachers without licenses taught at some charters
March 8, 2022 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — Teachers who lacked proper accreditation taught at charter schools in Seattle and Tacoma, in violation of state rules, a Washington state audit has found.
WVa high court lifts blockage of public charter schools
February 24, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia's Supreme Court has lifted a lower court's temporary blockage of public charter schools.
The higher court issued the stay Wednesday. In December, Kanawha County Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey granted a preliminary injunction sought by parents in a lawsuit filed against Gov.
Police: Girl impersonated Florida classmate to make threats
February 11, 2022 GMTPEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (AP) — A 12-year-old girl is accused of “maliciously" impersonating a fellow student by creating fake Instagram and email accounts to threaten students and staff at their South Florida charter school, police said.
Oklahoma AG turns Epic schools investigation back to DA
February 5, 2022 GMTOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor has returned the investigation into Epic Charter Schools to Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater, who initially oversaw the investigation beginning in 2013.
Oklahoma County district attorney taking over Epic probe
February 5, 2022 GMTOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater will take over a nearly nine-year investigation into Epic Charter Schools to determine if criminal charges are warranted, Attorney General John O’Connor announced Friday.
Committee controlled by Dems kills Youngkin education bills
February 3, 2022 GMTFALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — A Virginia Senate committee on Thursday killed two key pieces of education legislation sought by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, including one that was designed to eliminate teaching of critical race theory in K-12 schools.
Auditor: OSBI completes Epic Charter Schools investigation
February 2, 2022 GMTOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A state investigation into alleged embezzlement by the founders of Epic Charter Schools has been completed, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Judge rejects blocking Indiana online school fraud lawsuit
February 1, 2022 GMTNOBLESVILLE, Ind. (AP) — A judge is allowing state officials to continue with a lawsuit against several people and companies linked with two now-closed Indiana online charter schools facing allegations of a fraud scheme that cost the state more than $150 million.
Ex-California Secretary of Education Gary Hart dies at 78
January 29, 2022 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gary K. Hart, a former state lawmaker who represented parts of California's central coast for 20 years and served as secretary of education under Gov. Gray Davis, has died.
NC “school choice” proclamation first by Democrat Cooper
January 23, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Gov. Roy Cooper has proclaimed “North Carolina School Choice Week” for the first time since the Democrat took over the job more than five years ago.
Thursday’s Scores
January 21, 2022 GMTGIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=
Ex-White House adviser pleads guilty in $218,000 school scam
January 14, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The founder of a national charter school network who once served as a White House adviser under President Barack Obama pleaded guilty Friday to a charge alleging he stole over $200,000 from the network.
Several accused in Indiana school fraud want suit dismissed
January 9, 2022 GMTNOBLESVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Several people and companies linked with two now-closed Indiana online charter schools have asked a judge to dismiss claims against them in a lawsuit alleging a fraud scheme that cost the state more than $150 million.
WVa judge temporarily blocks charter schools’ implementation
December 20, 2021 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A judge on Monday temporarily blocked public charter schools from being implemented in West Virginia.
Kanawha County Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey granted a preliminary injunction sought by parents in a lawsuit filed against Gov.
NC court: Charter schools can’t use immunity to thwart suits
December 17, 2021 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled on Friday that nonprofit charter schools can’t avoid facing civil fraud claims alleging mismanagement of taxpayer money by arguing they are immune from such lawsuits like a state agency.
Judge to issue ruling soon in charter school case
December 15, 2021 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A judge has heard arguments in a lawsuit that seeks to stop the newly created West Virginia Professional Charter School Board from authorizing any new schools.
Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Bailey said she would issue a ruling by Friday after hearing from lawyers Tuesday in a virtual hearing, news outlets reported.
Teen arrested after threatening to kill 2 classmates
December 7, 2021 GMTVISALIA, Calif. (AP) — A 14-year-old boy was arrested Monday in California's San Joaquin Valley after he allegedly threatened to kill two of his charter school classmates last week, authorities said.
Lawsuit: Principal fired for diverse hiring, mask mandate
December 4, 2021 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A former North Carolina charter school principal says in a lawsuit that he was fired after two months for hiring a culturally diverse staff and his COVID-19 mask mandate.
Comptroller: Memphis charter school leaders stole thousands
December 2, 2021 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Former top officials at a Memphis charter school stole hundreds of thousands of dollars over several years, according to the Tennessee comptroller's office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Robotics grants being offered by education department
November 28, 2021 GMTCONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Department of Education is offering competitive grants to public schools and public charter schools to set up robotics teams and participate in contests.
“Robotics is a great way to reinforce academic concepts while also fostering curiosity among children, promoting teamwork and improving critical technology skills,” said Frank Edelblut, commissioner of education.
Board approves West Virginia’s first online charter schools
November 18, 2021 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A new state board has approved West Virginia's first statewide online charter schools.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ charter school to move to larger campus
November 11, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs’ charter school will relocate to a larger campus in New York City.
The music mogul announced Thursday that Capital Preparatory School will move to the Church of All Saints and School building in the city's Harlem neighborhood.
Board approves West Virginia’s first 3 charter schools
November 10, 2021 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A new state board approved West Virginia's first three charter schools on Wednesday.
The West Virginia Professional Charter Schools Board approved brick-and-mortar schools in the Cheat Lake area of Morgantown, in Jefferson County and in Nitro along the Kanawha-Putnam county border, news outlets reported.
Missouri education board member resigns from charter school
November 2, 2021 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The newest member of Missouri's State Board of Education has resigned from her leadership role at a St. Louis charter school.
Kerry Casey, of Chesterfield, was a founding board member of the KIPP Charter School in St.
St. Louis charter school leader picked for Missouri Ed Board
November 1, 2021 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — One of the leaders of a St. Louis charter school has been appointed to the State Board of Education by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.
Kerry Casey will begin serving on the state board immediately, the governor's office said Monday.
Leader of charter school to quit following hedge fund losses
October 24, 2021 GMTST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The founder of a St. Paul charter school that lost $4.3 million in a hedge fund investment is quitting as superintendent and chief financial officer, the Hmong College Prep Academy board said in a posting on its website.
N. Carolina charter school under fire for teacher’s comments
October 7, 2021 GMTWINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — A teacher has resigned from a North Carolina charter school after telling Black students in her class that if not for the Constitution, they would be her “field slaves,” a comment that one parent said brought attention to other racist incidents at the school.
Court: Giant e-school cannot appeal Ohio board’s $60M order
October 5, 2021 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio school board's order requiring a giant, now-defunct online charter school to repay the state $60 million over inflated enrollment figures is final and cannot be appealed, the state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.
Ex-student charged in Houston school shooting that injured 1
October 3, 2021 GMTHOUSTON (AP) — A former student at a Houston public charter school has been charged after confessing to shooting and wounding the campus principal, authorities said.
Dexter Harold Kelsey, 25, confessed to the shooting Friday at YES Prep Southwest Secondary and was charged with aggravated assault against a public servant and deadly conduct in the shooting, Houston police said Saturday.
Fathers sue West Virginia officials over charter school law
October 2, 2021 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Two West Virginia fathers are suing state officials over a law that allows charter schools to open without the approval of local voters, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reported.
Houston school principal shot by ex-student on campus
October 2, 2021 GMTHOUSTON (AP) — A former student of a Houston public charter school shot and wounded the campus principal Friday before quickly surrendering to police, authorities said.
The 25-year-old man shot through a locked, glass door at YES Prep Southwest Secondary, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said.
Woman sent to prison for stealing $87K from Florida school
September 29, 2021 GMTFORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — A former administrative assistant at a southwest Florida charter school has been sentenced to 40 months in prison for stealing more than $87,000, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Soldotna Montessori earns national Blue Ribbon School award
September 22, 2021 GMTSOLDOTNA, Alaska (AP) — Soldotna Montessori Charter School has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School for2021.
It was one of 325 schools to earn this award nationally, and the only in Alaska, the Peninsula Clarion reported.
Principal of SW Idaho charter school dies due to COVID-19
September 18, 2021 GMTCALDWELL, Idaho (AP) — The principal at a southwestern Idaho public charter school has died due to COVID-19, the school's board said.
The school board at Heritage Community Charter School in Caldwell announced the death of Javier Castaneda in a letter to parents.
Oklahoma governor seeks audit of state education department
September 16, 2021 GMTOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said Thursday that he has requested an audit of the state Department of Education.
The request came after an audit last year of Epic Charter Schools revealed that tens of millions of dollars were diverted into a for-profit business controlled by the school system's two founders and its chief financial officer, Stitt said.
California man gets prison for massive charter school scam
September 11, 2021 GMTSAN DIEGO (AP) — The co-owner of a network of online charter schools who was accused of stealing tens of millions of dollars in California education funds was sentenced Friday to four years in state prison.
7 charter schools seek OK to open in West Virginia
September 8, 2021 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Seven charter schools are seeking permission to open in West Virginia, the chairman of a new state school board said.
Republican Youngkin outlines new tax, policy proposals
August 30, 2021 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia GOP gubernatorial nominee Glenn Youngkin rolled out the most sweeping policy proposal of his campaign so far Monday, a so-called “day one game plan” that envisioned substantial tax cuts, new charter schools and an overhaul of what he called “broken” state agencies.
Arizona schools awash in federal virus cash, some flooded
August 28, 2021 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — Arizona K-12 schools have been sent nearly $4.3 billion through several federal coronavirus relief packages, with virtually every public charter school or traditional district receiving extra cash to help them endure shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and help students make up for lost classroom time.
Delaware schools to receive more than $669M in virus funding
August 28, 2021 GMTDOVER, Del. (AP) — Delaware schools are set to receive more than $669 million in federal taxpayer money as part of the government’s coronavirus response efforts.
The amount of money allocated to Delaware equals more than 40% of this year's general fund budget for school district and charter school operations.
Virtual schools saw little disruption, got equal virus aid
August 27, 2021 GMTBOSTON (AP) — While many schools scrambled to shift to online classes last year, the nation's virtual charter schools faced little disruption. For them, online learning was already the norm. Most have few physical classrooms, or none at all.
Georgia schools seek to boost education with $5.9B in aid
August 26, 2021 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Students in one of Georgia's largest school districts will be spending an extra five days in school this year, thanks to federal pandemic aid, while teachers in a fast-growing charter school have been getting additional professional development and teaching materials.
Cooper vetoes NC bill altering charter schools board makeup
August 23, 2021 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed legislation on Monday that would slightly rework the state panel that recommends whether charter schools can open or should be shuttered.
Some governors use federal virus aid to expand school choice
August 20, 2021 GMTWhen Congress sent states billions of dollars early in the coronavirus pandemic to help make schools safe, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee saw an opportunity.
He used part of the windfall to further his goal of offering school choice options for parents, sending millions to charter schools that operate without traditional public oversight.
Few students in 2 Oklahoma districts opt out of mask mandate
August 18, 2021 GMTOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Just 61 of about 30,000 Oklahoma City public school students have opted out of a newly adopted mask requirement, a district spokeswoman said Wednesday, while Santa Fe South charter school reported no opt-outs among its approximately 3,600 students.