Ohio Department of Education spokesman John Charlton said the agreement calls for the school to engage a management company, provide accurate financial reports and provide a treasurer’s license, among other requirements, at least 15 days before the school’s first day of classes.
School office staff members were at work Wednesday, preparing for the new school year. They said the first day of classes is scheduled for Sept. 15.
Charlton said no state money will be given to the school until all pieces of the agreement are finalized.
Kids Count of Dayton, the sponsor, suspended its contract with Chappie James Academy on June 11, arguing the school failed to meet the terms of a corrective action plan, among other claims.
But the school responded with a lawsuit in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court on June 30, saying Kids Count was required to meet a Feb. 1 deadline if it planned to end its sponsorship for the upcoming year.
Judge Michael Krumholtz issued a temporary restraining order against Kids Count, and the case was referred to mediation, where the parties reached agreement, according to court records.
Kecia Williams, director of Chappie James Academy, could not be reached for comment.
Chappie James Academy served 63 students last year in grades 9 through 12 at 120 Knox Ave., a mile west of where U.S. 35 meets the Trotwood Connector.
Last year, the state auditor’s office said the school reported inaccurate enrollment numbers, leading to inflated state funding. Then in April, auditor’s investigators seized documents and searched computers at the school. The auditor’s office has not released results of their investigation.
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