Atlanta charter school to possibly close amid financial investigation

ATLANTA - The Latin Academy School Board decided to delay their vote on whether or not to close the charter school after hearing from concerned parents who expressed their disappointment and outrage during a meeting Thursday evening.

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"They want to learn, everyday kids of their same color are laying dead in the street or on the news because they are robbing somebody," said Jonquil Johnson whose son attends Latin Academy.

Teachers also expressed their concerns, telling the board that the teachers were willing to take a pay cut in order to stay open.

"I just have never been a part of a group of teachers and people that I am more proud to work with. If you do not know on average we donated 9.9% of our salaries for the remainder of the school year for the school," said one teacher while she addressed the school board.

Krystal Mathis said the Latin Academy Charter School in Southwest Atlanta was a saving grace for her daughter's academic success. That's why she's hoping – somehow -- the school will not close permanently on June 30. Atlanta Public School officials released a statement indicating budget troubles led to the school's instability and imminent closure.

"This school needs to stay open; the teachers, the administrators, the structure, how they teach. I love everything about this school. My daughter has been here since sixth grade and I wanted her to be able to finish here," Mathis said.

Atlanta Police are investigating the reported theft of more than half a million dollars from the school as a case of fraud. In a statement issued through APS Thursday afternoon, Latin Academy Board Chairman Kaseem Ladipo said, "It appears prior school administration left the school in a financially unhealthy position and resulted in a significant amount of debt."