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Philadelphia School Reform Commission Votes To Close Imani Charter School

By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia's School Reform Commission voted Wednesday night on whether or not to renew six charter schools. One didn't make the cut and will be fighting to stay alive.

The School District's Office of Charter Schools looked at test scores, financials and other factors when deciding to recommend renewal or non-renewal, the later decided for Imani Charter school in Germantown. The SRC agreed, angering Imani board member Reverend Leroi Simmons.

"Look at those 450 children at Imani school and tell me they're not being educated," Simmons said. "Tell me you don't think they're being educated. Tell me they are not doing better than the schools in that area."

Commissioner Joseph Dworetzky voted not to renew, but emphasized Imani now has its chance to appeal.

"That issue is not decided," Dworetzky said, "and I will certainly keep an open mind pending the results of a full-non-renewal hearing."

The SRC voted to renew Antonia Pantoja, Christopher Columbus, De Hostos, Maritime Academy and Universal Institute charter schools.

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