Nearly three years after Kestrel Heights high school was forced to close for giving unearned diplomas to 40% of its graduates, the State Board of Education will be reviewing the Durham charter school again Thursday – this time to decide how long the school's K-8 charter should be renewed.

The state board is also reviewing renewals for 18 other charter schools and will vote on Thursday.

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The state's Office of Charter Schools recommended a five-year renewal for Kestrel Heights, but the Charter Schools Advisory Board decided to recommend the maximum 10-year renewal for the school, saying it has made positive changes since the diploma problems came to light.

Some State Board of Education members said Wednesday they were reluctant to approve a 10-year renewal.

"While they have done a remarkable job ... 10 years gives me pause," said board member Amy White, who chairs the board's education innovation and charter schools committee.

White said she plans to recommend a five-year renewal Thursday, when the board is expected to vote.

"[We should] continue to review and support their efforts," White added. "We need to continue to march alongside them as they march toward improvement."

The State Board of Education voted unanimously in April 2017 to close Kestrel Heights' high school as punishment for giving unearned diplomas to 40% of its graduates in the previous eight years. The board also required the K-8 portion of the school, which stayed open, to retain an independent professional auditor.

Last fall, the state's Charter Schools Advisory Board praised Kestrel Heights' leaders for the changes they've made since the diploma errors were reported, including outperforming Durham Public Schools academically for the past three years.

The State Board of Education is expected to vote Thursday on 19 charter school renewals. The Charter Schools Advisory Board has recommended the following:

10-year renewal

  • Excelsior Classical Academy
    • Henderson Collegiate
      • Kestrel Heights School
        • Lake Lure Classical
          • Northeast Academy of Aero Tech
            • Winterville Charter Academy

              7-year renewal

              • Charlotte Lab School
                • KIPP Durham College Prep
                  • Mountain Island Charter School
                    • PreEminent Charter
                      • Queen City STEM School
                        • Shining Rock Classical Academy: CFA
                          • Youngsville Academy

                            5-year renewal

                            • PAVE Southeast Raleigh Charter School
                              • Piedmont Classical High School
                                • Wilmington Prep Academy

                                  3-year renewal

                                  • Rocky Mount Preparatory
                                    • VERITAS Community School, CFA

                                      Non-renewal

                                      • Ignite Innovation Academy