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politics11h ago
Judge: Private school accepted state vouchers for students 130 miles away
- A Florida administrative judge recommended Little Wings of Prayer be barred from state vouchers after finding a fraudulent scheme in fund handling.
- The case centers on 80 students transferred from a Lake City school 130 miles away and billed to Step Up for Students.
- The Department of Education alleged the operator did not certify attendance or verify the Lake City school’s operation.
- A state audit found accountability problems in Florida’s school-choice program and noted $655 million paid to intermediaries in 2024-2025.
- Senator Don Gaetz sponsored legislation to require investigations of fraud and potential criminal referrals in voucher programs.
- The judge’s recommendation leaves the final decision to the Florida Department of Education.
- The case also touches on past allegations involving the operator, including a prior child abuse charge.
- Florida lawmakers are considering tighter controls on voucher programs in response to audits.
- The case involves a School Voucher program run by Step Up for Students and its administration of funds.
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