An Orlando, Fla.-based company that closed three military-style charter schools suddenly on May 6 has now filed for chapter 7, The Orlando Sentinel reported yesterday. The company cited more than $1 million in debts as a basis for the bankruptcy filing dated May 20. Acclaim Academy was a private, nonprofit business run by Windermere businessman Dennis Mope. His Orlando academy had about 180 students, while a Jacksonville, Fla.-area academy had about 250 students — all of whom had to transfer suddenly after those schools were closed. Another campus in Kissimmee was taken over by the Osceola County school district. In February, Mope was notified by the State Board of Education that his schools would have to close because they had received two annual “F” ratings in a row. Despite that notification, many students and parents said they received no warning of the closures. The bankruptcy petition shows more than 100 people and companies that are possibly owed money, including Center State Bank, Brighthouse, FPL, Orkin, Fedex, and the Orlando Utilities Commission.
