Education Board Revokes Springfield Charter

MALDEN, Mass. — The state Board of Education has voted to close a Springfield charter school after staff members were accused of cheating during last year’s MCAS exams.

The board voted unanimously on Tuesday to revoke the charter of the Robert M. Hughes Charter School. Barring a successful appeal, the school will be forced to close its doors on June 30.

A report issued by state education officials earlier this month found that eight of 16 staffers interviewed by investigators said they were either aware of or engaged in cheating on the standardized tests.

An internal probe conducted by the school’s trustees placed blame for the scandal solely on former principal Janet Henry, who was fired in December. She has denied wrongdoing.