Approximately $2.6 million to be distributed to KCPS and KC charter schools

A Jackson County judge has ordered that Renaissance Academy, a closed charter school in Kansas City, must pay back approximately $2.6 million in state education funds.

The K-12 charter school was sponsored by the University of Missouri-Columbia and closed in May 2012. A 2014 audit requested by the Department found that the school continued to spend funds that had been appropriated to provide educational services to students within the Kansas City Public School District. In the 40 months following the closure, Renaissance listed more than $2.5 million in expenditures.

The returned funds will be used to provide educational services for students in Kansas City Public Schools as well as charter schools in Kansas City. Renaissance served more than 1,000 students at the time it was closed.

“The Department is pleased these funds will go directly toward helping our children in Kansas City,” said Missouri Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven.

All funds were returned to the Department on Oct. 23.