CA charter school that blew millions on Hawaii trips, luxury ballparks and trips to Paris files for bankruptcy

A California charter school accused by state auditors of improperly receiving more than $180 million in K-12 funding has filed for bankruptcy after a stunning list of questionable spending — including a $1.96 million San Diego getaway, an $80,000 Maui conference and a Paris trip for an employee whose mother sat on the school’s board.Highlands Community and Technical Schools filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in federal court Sunday, seeking protection as it fights a massive state funding claim and attempts to keep its schools operating.The Sacramento-area charter system serves thousands of adult students seeking high school diplomas, career training and other programs.The bankruptcy filing comes more than a year after a California State Auditor report found Highlands had received more than $180 million in K-12 money for which it was not eligible, while also identifying millions of dollars in questionable spending, conflicts of interest, hiring concerns and weak oversight.Highlands disputes the state’s findings.“Highlands is taking this step to protect our students and preserve the future of our schools,” Executive Director Jonathan Raymond said in a statement announcing the bankruptcy this week.

“The reorganization process gives us the best opportunity to remain open and continue serving students while we address the disputed financial claims through an orderly, court-supervised process.”Despite filing for bankruptcy, the school says it will remain open and is instead planning to rebrand.“The doors remain open.The lights remain on.

Class remains in session,” Highlands said.Auditors described the spending habits in their review as a “unlawful and wasteful spending of public funds.”Among the auditor’s most eye-popping findings was nearly $2 million spent on a three-day professional development event at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego in August 2023.

Highlands said the grant allowed it to provide training in what it characterized as a uni...