A newly released investigative report describes “rampant nepotism,” and ineffective oversight of the Jumoke Academy charter school in Hartford, and its management group The Family Urban Schools of Excellence, also known as FUSE. The probe was commissioned by the State Department of Education and carried out by an independent special investigator.
It details extreme and inappropriate intermingling of funds between the two organizations. Many employees who were interviewed for the probe supported Jumoke's academic goals, but did not understand the relationship between Jumoke and FUSE. Some did not even know which organization they worked for. But all employees understood that CEO Michael Sharpe was the sole person in charge.
As news surfaced last year that Sharpe’s stated academic credentials were untrue and further revelations came to light, the troubled charter group lost contracts with six charter schools in Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven and Louisiana. The FBI also launched its own investigation but so far, there have been no indictments.
Connecticut education officials instituted stronger charter school oversight policies in 2014. They’ve also just announced remedial actions to be specifically required of Jumoke Academy.
After a review of the school’s performance, the investigation concludes that Jumoke continues to be a viable educational institution.
