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ATLANTA - It is the miracle for which a southwest Atlanta charter school has been praying and fighting.
An email to parents Wednesday from the principal of Latin Academy Charter School announced that they have an anonymous person willing to pledge more than $1 million to save the school. That same email also stated “the donation is contingent upon board action” adding “please keep in mind that we cannot receive the donation until the board takes action.”
The principal urged parents to attend Thursday’s school board meeting which was postponed quote “due to board of directors’ request.”
“It is disheartening,” said Keisha Spells, whose child attended Latin Academy. “We were told 30 days ago that we only had 30 days to raise the money to save our school and that on this day the board would get with us and let us know what they decide based upon whatever information that they had at the time of the board meeting.”
During a school board meeting in February, parents were outraged after learning the school could possibly close due to misappropriation of funds. According to an Atlanta Police report, the charter school’s founder, Christopher Clemons used more than $600,000 of the school funds on dinners, travel and entertainment not related to the school. It also states he used the money for bonuses.
Parents, teachers and students set out to raise $250,000 in 30 days, before the next school board meeting in March.
“People did not think we could do it and we were given 30 days and in 30 days we did prevail,” said parent, Renee Sewell.
After several fundraisers and raising awareness in the community, Latin Academy now has a chance.
“I was not looking for another school, did not plan on it, wasn’t going to,” said parent, Jonquil Johnson.
The school board meeting that was postponed Thursday is expected to take place sometime next week.
The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office said the criminal investigation into the schools founder is pending.
Atlanta Police said they believe Clemons has fled the state and continue their investigation.