A year-long court battle between K12 Inc., operator of Colorado Virtual Academy, and shareholders is coming to an end.
On Monday, shareholders of the for-profit virtual school management company agreed to voluntarily dismiss a class action lawsuit, which was filed after the New York Times wrote about high student teacher ratios and other issues at some schools managed by K12 Inc.
The allegations dismissed from the court case pertain to excessive or burdensome student-to-teacher ratios; improper grading and attendance policies; failure of special education programs to meet government standards and three other areas.
The lawsuit dealt specifically with the time period September 9, 2009 to December 16, 2011. Since that time, KUNC has written about teacher understaffing concerns at K12 Inc.-managed COVA in March 2012. An audit in April and May of 2012 found that Colorado Virtual Academy was out of compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act.
According to a press release from K12 Inc. there is a proposed settlement agreement of $6.75 million for remaining claims that deal with disclosure of student enrollment and retention data at K12 Inc.-managed schools. Officials at the company deny all the claims and charges of wrongdoing.
Colorado Virtual Academy, which is struggling to improve low student test scores, received a one-year charter extension from authorizer Adams 12 Five Star in February. COVA is using the year to make academic improvements and find a new charter authorizer.
