OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - The Oakland school board has voted to shut down three of California's highest-performing public schools amid allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement.
The board voted 4-3 on Wednesday to close three campuses run by American Indian Model Schools at the end of the academic year.
The decision came after parents, students and administrators urged the board to let the two middle schools and one high school stay open.
American Indian officials can appeal the decision to the Alameda County Board of Education and the state Board of Education.
Last year a state audit found multiple problems with the organization, including conflicts of interest and $3.8 million in questionable payments to companies controlled by founder Ben Chavis and his wife.
School board members say administrators have failed to adequately address those problems.
The Associated Press