Former Georgia Schools Chief Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Money Laundering

Georgia’s former state schools superintendent—a political maverick who once aspired to be governor—is now slated to serve as many years in prison as she did in the top education post.

Linda C. Schrenko, 56, pleaded guilty this week to one count each of money laundering and fraud. She would serve eight years in federal prison under the plea bargain. Her plea came in the midst of her trial in U.S. District Court in Atlanta on 40 counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and theft of public funds. She was accused of diverting roughly $600,000 in federal education money to her unsuccessful 2002 campaign for governor. She was facing a possible 25-year sentence.

Some of the funds—which were meant for hearing-impaired and honor students—were also used for personal expenses, including a computer and a face-lift,...