DURHAM -- Concerns are growing that Kestrel Heights High School won't get its charter renewed.
The Charter School Advisory Board will make that recommendation to the State Board of Education. The state board will take up the issue early next month. It comes after it was revealed that 160 former graduates received diplomas without completing the required coursework between the 2007-2008 and the 2015-2016 school years.
"It angers me a little, but not that much because either way, if they did received their diplomas, I can't do anything about that," says current senior Jeremiah Waller.
School leaders place the blame on former high school principals and the counselor. They don't believe their actions were intentional, but rather, lacked oversight.
"It's rough. There's a lot of schools around here. I'm here because I don't want to go to some of the schools around here," says student Ian Campbell, who's concerned he will have to find a new school for his senior year.
Executive Director Mark Tracy released a statement Thursday, saying no final decision has been made and that he can't provide any other answers. He said the school will continue its commitment to students.
The Charter School Advisory Board will recommend renewing the charter for Kestrel Heights' elementary and middle schools.
The Durham County District Attorney could also be involved in the matter to determine if any criminal charges are necessary.