VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — School board members could take the first step in shutting down a troubled charter school.
WFTV reported how leaders at Reading Star Academy of Excellence have been accused of mishandling finances.
The school has racked up 21 violations, WFTV learned.
The school has more than 100 students, and some of the parents of the students were at the school board meeting in DeLand.
Some parents said that they would be upset if it had to close; despite the problems listed in the school board's notice of termination.
"I pray to God every night that they don't close this school because it's great. The teachers are wonderful," said grandparent Annette Malave.
But the teachers could be out of a job and the 112 students who attend would have to go to a private school or enroll in public schools.
The school board is voting on a notice to terminate its charter agreement with the academy. The five-page notice lists 21 violations, including “the failure to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management.”
Officials said the violation stems from the school's suspended principal, Paulette Crosby, who allegedly mishandled funds and deposited a $55,000 check from the state into an account that only she could access.
The notice also included a wide range of other violations such as the school's failure to use certain curriculum plans, and failing to adopt an annual operating budget.
But school officials said those violations are being corrected and some parents would like to see the school through.
"I'm not sure how likely it is, but I think it's possible. I think it would really be a shame because they really have something special here," said a parent.
If the board terminates its charter agreement with the school in Orange City, the charter school has 14 days to request a hearing before a magistrate judge.
If not, the school will close in 90 days.
WFTV
