Waters of Life Public Charter School on the Big Island will end its school year today because of a fiscal crunch, but plans to open for summer school next month and resume as usual in the fall.

Daniel J. Caluya, principal and director of the school, said yesterday the school board decided to shorten its academic year and close today. It will use federal Title I funds to open summer school next month, which will be offered free and run through July, he said. Waters of Life has facilities in Keaau and Mountain View.

The Charter School Review Panel had urged the school last week to end its school year early for lack of funding. The panel had moved to revoke the school's charter last June.

But panel Chairman Alvin Parker said the school has made a complete turnaround since Caluya took over as principal in July.

“;Unfortunately, the tremendous fiscal challenges that the school went through previous to his administration have ultimately prevented them, from our perspective, from being able finish the school year,”; said Parker.

Enrollment has grown from eight students at the beginning of the academic year to 80 students now, and the school has repaid its debt, Caluya said.