Washington charter school system shutting down, schools will stay open

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington's charter school system is taking another step toward shutting down. But the state's nine charter schools are expected to stay open at least through the end of the school year.

The statewide Charter School Commission is scheduled to vote during a telephone meeting on Tuesday to make final preparations to lay off its staff and send its records to the state archives.

Closing the agency is required under the Washington Supreme Court ruling that the 2012 charter school law is unconstitutional.

The court is expected to formally start the shut-down process as early as Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the schools and their supporters are seeking alternative solutions to keep their doors open through the end of the school year.