NC court: Charter schools can't use immunity to thwart suits

North Carolina's highest court has ruled that nonprofit charter schools can’t avoid civil fraud claims alleging mismanagement of taxpayer money by arguing they’re immune from such lawsuits like a state agency. The state Supreme Court on Friday reversed a 2019 Court of Appeals decision that had dismissed claims against Kinston Charter Academy, which closed abruptly in 2013. Then-Attorney General Roy Cooper sought financial damages for the state and monetary penalties against the academy and its leaders. Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that receive state funds. The Supreme Court says a charter school isn't protected under the doctrine of sovereign immunity.