Macon Charter Academy declares bankruptcy, will close next school year

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon Charter Academy will not be open next school year.

The school filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 for the United States Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Georgia, according to a news release from MCA’s attorney.

Governing Board Chairman Edwards Grant, Jr. said the school is “taking action that will allow us to provide top-notch education to our students.” He added taking such action is “imperative.”

MCA’s Governing Board of Directors unanimously decided reorganization is in the best interest of the school and students. Reorganization will allow the school to continue operations while restructuring its finances and contractual relationships, according to MCA’s attorney.

MCA intends to keep up its contractual obligations under the charter contract with the Georgia State Board of Education and the Bibb County Board of Education.

“Macon Academy is a great place to learn and grow. In August, we opened our doors. In September, we received notice that we were placed on probation. In February, we were told we were on track to accept new students. Since March, the Governing Board has worked tirelessly to navigate the processes put in place by the County and the State, but it has become clear that we must be proactive, and take this step forward in order to protect the students and resources of this school,” said Grant.

MCA is hopeful this reorganization process will help get the school of a state-issued probation.

The school plans to resume normal recruitment and enrollment for the 2017-2018 school year.

“The school, our students, parents, staff, creditors, vendors and other stakeholders – including the Pleasant Hill Community that embraces Macon Charter Academy – will be best served by an orderly, court-supervised restructuring. We possess a strong core mission and the commitment necessary to carry out a restructuring plan. This action will allow us to bring the integrity and accountability that our parents and students deserve,” explained Grant.

The school will continue to operate as normal for the remaining 2015-2016 school year. There are no active plans or preparations to operate the school for the 2016-2017 school year.

The news release says MCA will continue to do the following this school year:

• Deliver a safe, clean and reliable learning environment for all of its students.
• Provide wages, healthcare and other benefits to its staff without interruption.
• Pay suppliers and vendors for the goods and services it receives in the ordinary course of business throughout the restructuring process.