Audit questions operations at Indian charter school in California

Thursday, June 14, 2012  

An audit of operations at the American Indian Public Charter School in Oakland, California, could lead to criminal charges, The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The report questions the activities of charter school founder Ben Chavis, who is a member of the Lumbee Tribe. He allegedly steered $3.7 million in school funds to business he owns with his wife, who was paid a $350,000 salary while drawing additional fees to an accounting firm she owns.

"The involvement of the founder, his spouse, business associates, former board members and numerous businesses owned by the founder or his spouse has raised questions regarding potential conflict of interest, significant influence over financial transactions, control over fiscal management and related party transactions in violation of government and education codes," the audit stated.

Chavis, who resigned as principal in 2007, has drawn controversy for his management style. But he won praise for the success of his school, whose Indian enrollment has dropped as the school's popularity has grown.

Get the Story:
Oakland schools' officials may face criminal probe (The San Francisco Chronicle 6/14)

Relevant Documents:
Extraordinary Audit of the American Indian Model Charter Schools (June 12, 2012)