ALPHARETTA, Ga. (AP) - Georgia's first charter school to win a Blue Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education for standardized test achievement could lose its battle to stay open.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (http://bit.ly/IKlbkn) that Fulton Science Academy Middle School's application to become a state charter special school has been recommended for denial by Georgia's charter schools division.

If the state Board of Education follows the recommendation in June, the denial could displace about 500 students, eliminate the jobs of 58 staffers and alter plans for 455 kids on the waiting list for the metro Atlanta school.

Officials say the recommendation is based on concerns about the academy's leadership and $19 million construction debt.

Ali Ozer, the school's executive director, has said parents are satisfied with the school's management and the success of its students.