A blistering, independent review of the Cesar Chavez charter school network says the school leaders squandered taxpayer money, ignored basic legal requirements and over-compensated senior staff.
“In general, we found that the network entities engaged in conflict-of-interest transactions and significant nepotism,” according to the report released today by Sacramento, Calif.-based MGT of America, Inc.
The network has schools in Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Denver and had been lauded over the years for high test scores.
Its founders were removed last year after allegations surfaced about the network’s salary structure, governance, hiring practices and expenses.
“The results demand swift action,” said Dwight Jones, Colorado Education Commissioner.
“Taxpayers, teachers and parents across Colorado will find that reading the report is a deeply troubling experience on many levels,” Jones said in a news release.
Jones also encouraged the Internal Revenue Service and the local district attorney to review the report for potential further investigation.
The report was conducted at the request of the Colorado Department of Education, Pueblo City Schools and the Charter School Institute.
It is available here: .
Jeremy P. Meyer: 303-954-1367 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com
