Spending at some New York charter schools raises questions

From The New York Times: Charter school advocates argue that the schools’ freedom from traditional rules enables them to make major improvements. But that same freedom can present problems: a review of public documents shows that many charter schools in New York have spent money in questionable ways and have experienced significant conflicts of interest. The problems underscore what many critics say is a weak system in New York for policing spending by charter schools, which are publicly financed but privately run. Charter school supporters are lobbying for a bill that would more than double the number of charters in New York State.