The state Board of Education on Thursday denied a charter to Fulton Science Academy Middle School, an act that will dismantle the nationally recognized public school of 500. But FSA parents vow to keep the school open as a private school.
The state board rejected its charter application due to concerns over its management, financial stability and failure to follow state mandates.
FSA parents and school leaders at first urged the state to reconsider the denial.
"We have had a 10-year history of excellence," said FSA governing board member Angela Lassetter as her voice quivered. "We want to work with the state. We will do anything that the state wants us to do."
But state charter officials said they weren't sure who was in charge at the school -- the governing board or the executive director and they needed to move forward to give parents a chance to find new accommodations. There were also concerns over the school's debt.
“None of us take this decision lightly,’’ said Brian Burdette, a state board member. “This department has been working for at least the last four to six months with the petitioner to try to convey what is required for a high-quality charter. Thirty more days isn’t going to change a thing.”
In other news, the state board approved Ivy Preparatory Academy in Gwinnett County as a state charter special school. The board also approved charter renewals for The Museum School of Avondale Estates in DeKalb County and Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy.
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