Some believe there’s a hidden agenda.
Northside Christian Academy, a private Christian school in Charlotte, North Carolina, has closed due to declining enrollment following a brawl at a high school basketball game in January. Established in 1961 and operated by North Side Baptist Church, the school faced multiple challenges that culminated in its closure announcement in May.
The brawl at the basketball game, where a parent from an opposing team punched a player, led to the expulsion of the player and the abrupt end of the basketball season. This decision by the school’s administration caused many parents to withdraw their children, exacerbating the issue of low re-enrollment. The school’s tuition ranged from $9,850 to $11,650 annually, and despite state assistance of about $7,000 per student for private education, enrollment numbers continued to fall.
Edward Cooke, the school’s basketball coach, highlighted that the administration’s treatment of athletes contributed to the school’s problems. Cooke noted that the team didn’t receive championship rings due to budget constraints and faced inadequate facilities, such as playing without heat in the gym. He left the school after the season was canceled, and many students who enrolled because of him also left.
Parents and former staff had already expressed concerns about the school’s management before the incident. Issues included the lack of heating and air conditioning in the school building, unlike the church facilities, raising questions about the allocation of funds. Pastor Michael Landrum explained that the school’s budget was part of the church’s overall ministry budget, which is not open to public scrutiny despite benefiting from public funds.
In summary, Northside Christian Academy’s closure was the result of a series of management and operational challenges, culminating in the aftermath of a basketball game brawl that led to significant student withdrawals and financial instability.