The company that runs three charter schools in Escambia County had its grant applications for two new schools in Bay County denied.
The Florida Department of Education said the schools, Newpoint Bay Preparatory Academy and Central High School, were denied based on “serious concerns” about Newpoint schools. The schools were set to open next fall and were to be managed by Newpoint Education Partners, the same company that runs Five Flags Academy, Newpoint Academy and Pensacola Newpoint in Escambia County.
The Pensacola schools are under investigation by the State Attorney’s Office, and Superintendent Malcolm Thomas has recommended that their charter agreements be terminated.
WJHG reports that a DOE representative cited three reasons for the decision:
- The newest set of Newpoint schools across the state have been struggling academically.
- Bay District Schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt also refused to sign off on the grant applications.
- Escambia County School District superintendent’s recommendation to terminate its three existing contracts with Newpoint.
Read Malcolm’s Latest Headache to get the background on the Newpoint allegations.