The Lydia Urban Academy is in danger of closing its doors before the end of the school year.
The nontraditional Christian high school serves about 20 students with social, behavioral, and learning disabilities that make it difficult for them to succeed in a traditional setting. Some are escaping from bullying, while others are referred by Rosecrance Health Network or the state juvenile detention system.
The Register-Star reports the school needs about $40,000 to make payroll and not close before the end of the school year. Typically, the school operates on an annual budget of around $200,000. Its parent group, Chicago-based Lydia Home Association, normally pays half of that amount. However, it's undergoing a financial and leadership reorganization, and has no funds to spare.
They Academy will hold a benefit concert December 18th.