PORTLAND (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage is condemning the Portland mayor for calling for the Maine attorney general to investigate allegations of financial mismanagement at a charter school.
Mayor Mike Brennan had asked the attorney general to investigate Baxter Academy for Technology and Science and have all state contract negotiations with the school put on hold until an investigation is completed.
The founder and executive director of the school was fired for what the board said was a “pattern of mismanagement.” John Jaques has denied any financial mismanagement.
LePage said Thursday that Attorney General Janet Mills has declined to get involved, saying the state charter school commission has the authority to ensure fiscal capability of charter schools.
LePage called Brennan’s request an attack against the proposed school and charter schools in general.
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