Virtual Charter School A No-Go For 2012-13, Judge Rules

A North Carolina judge has ruled that a virtual charter school that offers online-only classes cannot operate in the state because it doesn't have permission from the state Board of Education. Wake County Superior Court Judge Abraham Penn Jones issued his decision Friday regarding NC Learns, which wanted to open the North Carolina Virtual Academy in Cabarrus County and enroll students throughout the state. A for-profit company called K12 wants to run the school. An administrative law judge last month ruled that the school could start enrolling students this fall. The State Board of Education appealed that ruling. The North Carolina School Boards Association also joined the case. Jones' ruling says, in part, that the state board has the sole authority to oversee charter schools. Cabarrus County State Sen. Fletcher Hartsell, a lawyer, represents the academy. WFAE's Lisa Miller has filed several stories on the proposed online charter school and K12: 'Virtual' Charter School Looks To Cabarrus, Seeks BOE Partnership Cabarrus BOE Partners With Proposed Online Charter School Expect Clash Over Virtual School To Intensify At NC BOE Proposed Virtual Charter Tries To Force State School Board Review Cabarrus County Schools May Have To Oversee Virtual Charter