The Manatee County YMCA is asking the Manatee County School District to reconsider shutting down their high school for at-risk teens.

This week, the district informed the YMCA that their contact for the Manatee Y Technological High School, is not being renewed.

“It was a surprise to us because as of mid-to-late last week we were still sending drafts of contracts back and forth,” said Joey Brannon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the YMCA.  “We had no indication that there were problems with the high school or contract.”

The school has been open two years and has a budget of a little more than $1 million a year.

It’s located at the 13th Avenue Dream Center in Bradenton and serves 200 at-risk students.

The school is for troubled teens, who are not able to attend the other public high schools for a variety of reasons. The students may be too old, may have criminal records, or need flexible schedules and assistance because of having children.

Brannon said board members and staff feel the decision to cancel their contract is being made in response to some reports of financial troubles.

Last week, it was announced that an audit found the YMCA had defrauded the county out of at least $100,000 for after school and gang prevention programs.

YMCA officials blame paperwork issues and claims it was not done intentionally.

Staff have been fired and they’ve promised to pay the money back.

They’re asking the district to not shut them down.

“It doesn’t make any sense to take an unrelated program, and lump it in with some anonymous allegations,” said Brannon.

Shakira Reed, 20, said she is upset to hear her school might be going away.

The single mother of a 10-month-old boy, will be graduating next month.

She credits the school for turning her life around and giving her an opportunity when no one else would.

“It’s hard to say you get a second chance in life at stuff,” said Reed.

The once troubled teen said if it was not for her teachers giving her motivation and help, she wouldn’t have been able to finish high school.

Justin Portuondo, 18, may not be as lucky.

The teen who is entering his senior year of high school, said he’s now worried.

“I’ll try to get accepted at a regular school, but if they don’t accept me, I don’t know what other chances there will be,” said Portuondo.

He admits to making mistakes in the past that prevented him from attending the regular high schools. However, Portuondo, said he’s now on the right track and wants to finish high school and get a diploma.

He credits The Manatee Y Technological School for the opportunity.

Sean Allison, President and CEO of the Manatee County YMCA, said he’s planning on meeting with district officials on Monday.

He’s hoping they’ll be able to work things out.

“I agree with Superintendent Rick Mills and feel this district is heading for greatness,” he said.   “I think it is and we want to be a part of it.  We think we can contribute to that.”

The YMCA has still not received a formal letter cancelling the contract.

The district declined to comment on the matter.