11 employees dismissed from Macon Charter Academy this month

Eleven employees have been dismissed from Macon Charter Academy this month as the school comes to terms with enrollment declines and financial shortfalls.

The school hired Renaissance School Services, a consulting company, to analyze and help deal with the school's finances, operations and academics as well as address concerns raised by the Bibb County school board and the Georgia Charter School Association.

Now, school leaders are taking action, according to a governing board summary released late Tuesday afternoon.

Eleven paraprofessionals and support staff were released this month in a bid to "right size" the staff, according to the summary. Earlier this month, officials said enrollment was down to about 510 students after initial projections of 700 pupils.

That move will result in savings of about $64,000 a month from salaries, health insurance and payroll taxes.

Administrators also are checking to make sure all teachers at the Pleasant Hill neighborhood school have their required certifications.

Renaissance also is looking at whether to continue to lease the school building or buy it outright, which could result in tax savings down the line.

School officials also are reviewing other cost-saving measures, especially those associated with large, recurring expenses such as utilities and service contracts.

The governing board has also looked at preparations for the Georgia Milestones test, which will be given this spring, and directed Renaissance officials to "implement all possible activities" that will help students prepare for the test.

"Any materials and software enhancements that can be made will be added to improve test scores," the report said.

The board also agreed to start an after-school program. Officials will seek grants and donations to try to make the program free for students. Barring that, though, there would be a charge for the program.

The charter school opened this school year but has been beset by a series of problems, resulting in the school's hiring of Renaissance in December.

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 5:38 PM with the headline "11 employees dismissed from Macon Charter Academy this month ."