The Mount Vernon Leadership Academy, the Cecil H. Parker School, and the Mount Vernon Honor Academy will all close permanently this year. The Mount Vernon School board made the decision to move forward with the measure during a special meeting Tuesday night.

The plan also calls for the restructuring of schools to consist of 4 K-8 schools, 6 K-6 schools and 3 7-12 high schools.

There are several factors that are forcing school officials to make the drastic changes. A drop in enrollment, costly repairs needed at some of the schools plus the city owes the school district millions dating back several years. And tax increases to support the school budget have consistently been voted down.

Some of the board members wanted to postpone the vote for at least another week in order to give the public more time to voice their concerns. But others said there have been town hall meetings and public discussions since the fall, and in the end the vote carried through 5-4. The plan takes effect July 1.