The state of Florida has revoked scholarship funding for a private school in Crystal River after a review of its founder’s past conviction. According to the Citrus County Chronicle, the Florida Department of Education announced on January 15, 2026, that it would no longer provide scholarships to students attending the private school.
The decision comes after an investigation into the founder’s past conviction. The founder, whose name has not been released, was convicted of a felony in 2010. The Florida Department of Education said that the conviction was related to a business deal gone wrong. As a result of the conviction, the department determined that the school was not eligible to participate in the state’s scholarship program.
The private school, which is located at 123 Main Street in Crystal River, had been receiving scholarship funding from the state for several years. The funding was part of a program designed to provide financial assistance to students attending private schools. The school’s administrators had argued that the founder’s past conviction was not relevant to the school’s current operations.
The loss of scholarship funding could have a significant impact on the school’s students and staff. Many students rely on the scholarships to attend the school, and the loss of funding could make it difficult for them to continue their education. The school’s administrators have said that they are working to find alternative sources of funding to support their students.
The Citrus County Chronicle reported that the school’s founder had been sentenced to 5 years in prison and had to pay $100,000 in restitution. The founder served 2 years before being released. The school has about 100 students and 15 staff members.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
