8legs: Lake city, usa

$Judge: Private school accepted state vouchers for students 130 miles away$

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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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