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K12 Inc., the Herndon, Va. firm at the center of a Maine Sunday Telegram investigation on virtual schools and digital learning policy in Maine, has made additional donations to Maine Republicans in recent months.

According to the latest disclosures submitted to the state ethics commission, K12 donated $2500 to the Maine Senate Republican Majority PAC at the end of August and $500 to the leadership PAC of house whip Andrew Cushing (R-Hampden) in early September.

Previously, K12 appeared to be trying to shore up its support with Democrats. On Jan. 3 it gave $500 to the House Democratic Campaign Committee, and in 2011 another $500 to the leadership PAC of Assistant Senate Minority Leader Justin Alfond (D-Portland). (Alfond was the sponsor of a digital education bill that was backed by K12 that was rejected in committee last session.) In 2011 it also gave $500 to the Empowering Maine Leadership PAC, the leadership PAC of Sen. Barry Hobbins (D-Saco), the Senate Minority Leader.

In 2010, The firm contributed $19,000 in support of Paul LePage's candidacy for governor via the RGA Maine PAC.

As the Telegram investiation showed, K12-managed virtual charter schools have a questionable track record in other states. The company has applied to manage a such a school in Maine, the Maine Virtual Academy.

As previously reported, K12 is currently under investigation in Florida for allegedly using uncertified teachers in its schools.

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Open Season targets all of Maine's political wildlife, from Portland city government to the donkeys, elephants and independents stalking the Statehouse and U.S. Capitol.

John Richardson joined the Press Herald in 1990 after working as a reporter in New Jersey. He has covered a variety of beats, including marine issues, the environment and health care. He is now covering politics and focusing on Maine's U.S. Senate race.
John can be reached at 791-6324 or jrichardson@pressherald.com
On Twitter: @jrichmaine

Colin Woodard has covered politics and elections for more than two decades, from Bosnia and Bucharest to Washington, D.C., Augusta, and Portland City Hall. He has written for a wide range of national and international publications and is the author of four books, including "American Nations," a history of North America's regional cultures. He joined the Portland Press Herald at the end of April and covers political finance and lobbying, among other things.
Colin can be reached at 791-6317 or cwoodard@pressherald.com

Susan Cover has covered Maine politics for 10 years and worked in Kansas, Ohio and Rhode Island as a reporter. This year, she is focusing on covering the same-sex marriage debate for MaineToday Media.
Susan can be reached at 621-5643 or scover@mainetoday.com

Michael Shepherd joined MaineToday Media in May 2012 after graduating from the University of Maine in Orono, where he edited The Maine Campus, the student newspaper there. Until November he'll be writing the Truth Test, a recurring feature analyzing political statements and advertising.
Michael can be reached at 621-5632 or mshepherd@mainetoday.com

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