SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico state budget analysts say an embattled charter school continues to receive money for hundreds of students who no longer are enrolled.
An accountability report from the state Legislative Finance Committee says New Mexico Connections Academy will receive about $6 million during the current school year for students who are no longer enrolled. New Mexico bases school funding on prior-year enrollment.
Enrollment plunged by hundreds of students after the state education officials declined to renew the school's charter amid lagging student academic proficiency. A district judge overturned the decision in October.
Connections Academy teaches students over the internet without traditional classrooms. The school contracts with the for-profit education curriculum provider Connections Education that is owned by Pearson.
Officials at the school were not immediately available to comment.