“9 Investigates lawmakers' connections with charter schools.”

“9 Investigates lawmakers' connections with charter schools.” WFTV (FL), 11/14/2012

ORLANDO, Fla. — Over the past five years, the number of charter schools in Central Florida has climbed. These "nontraditional" public schools receive taxpayer money -- and 9 Investigates' George Spencer found some of the same lawmakers who are writing the rules for charter schools are also benefiting from them.

Dayspring Academy Charter School in Port Richie is thriving, as evidenced by the "Another 'A' Rating" banner on its website. Last March, its business administrator, John Legg, made a special request to change admission rules...

The school board did deny the request. But that didn't matter in the end as Legg, was also a powerful state representative, and the legislature soon changed laws to allow what Legg proposed.

"We, as taxpayers, need to be suspect about the motivation for pouring so many resources into charter schools," said Orange Countypublic school parent Linda Kobert...

9 Investigates asked Florida Sen. David Simmons about the concerns, and he said conflict of interest changes are already in the works...