Charter owner convicted: A former charter school operator has been convicted of defrauding schools in seven Florida counties of millions of dollars. Marcus May, whose company Newpoint Education Partners managed 15 charter schools in Escambia, Bay, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Duval and Broward counties, was found guilty by a jury in Escambia of kickback arrangements and fraudulent billing. Prosecutors alleged he bought furniture, computers and school materials at inflated prices from fraudulent companies run by associates. He faces up to 90 years in prison. Tampa Bay Times.

Audit costs district: The Leon County School District incorrectly calculated the number of fulltime equivalent students and student transportation for the 2016-2017 school year, according to an audit from the Florida Auditor General. The errors mean the district will have to repay the state $419,214. The biggest problem was attendance by seniors, who were released from school that year eight days earlier than other students and also missed three days because of a hurricane. The missed instruction time equaled 58 fulltime equivalent students. Tallahassee Democrat. (more…)