A private school that teaches children with special needs has closed abruptly, leaving students confused and parents frustrated.

  • State officials said school missed scholarship deadline
  • Parents were not informed of situation
  • School had 60-70 students

Parents said they had no idea Monarch School in Lakeland was closing until they arrived and saw a sign on the front window.

"You know, we really didn't have time to even look for a school for our kids," said parent Deana Johnson. "That only gave us Friday and Monday once we out about this to find a new school for our kids."

State officials said the school's administrator, Randy Coggins, missed a deadline to apply for McKay Scholarship funding.

Parents receive McKay Scholarships for students with disabilities, then sign over that money to the schools they attend.

Coggins is also a pastor at Perfecting Hope Church in Winter Haven. Parents said they trusted him.

"He should have been forthcoming with us, he should have told us ahead of time what was going on," said Brittany Lesnett, whose child attended the school.

The school had between 60 and 70 students.

Parents said their children are confused and upset.

"It's shocking and it's heartbreaking," Johnson said. "These poor kids need closure. They go to school and find out it's been terminated, so they don't get to see their friends, which is just devastating to them."

Parents said the school has a history of financial problems, and they said teachers haven't been paid since August.

They claim they weren't even allowed to go into the school to get their children's supplies or medications.

"I just don't understand why we can't at least get that stuff. Why would you be a Christian and be so evil not to allow us to get our things?" Crystal Spell said.

Spell said parents are also out of money.

"A lot of us had to repay for registration fees at new schools, when we had just paid them in August at Monarch along with our tuition payments, we're having to re-do those, too," she said.

We did try to contact Coggins. He did not return phone calls or emails.

The parents said they have enrolled their children in other schools and they're hoping this is a blessing in disguise.

"The transition has been pretty difficult, and so any prayers would be greatly appreciated," said Lesnett.