The Institute for Excellence Charter School


WINSLOW CHARTER SCHOOL FOUNDER INDICTED; Feb. 28, 2011; Courier-Post (NJ) 
The founder of Camden County's only suburban charter school has been accused of attempting to defraud the school in an indictment handed down Wednesday by the state grand jury following an investigation by the state Attorney General Office's Division of Criminal Justice...

In January 2010, the [the state Department of Education's Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance] released its findings, listing allegations of misuse of funds and governance practices. It concluded that most of the allegations were out of its jurisdiction and forwarded them to the Attorney General's Office, noting specifically that the fictitious invoice "may constitute a violation of the School Ethics Act and criminal statute."…

The OFAC's review also found that staff members observed [name omitted] and another board member going through student files, that board members regularly visited the school unannounced, that [name omitted] routinely borrowed money from staff members and that she used the school copy machine to run off fliers for a private tattoo party...
(redacted on 9/13/2012 per request )


7 comments:

TMcknigh said...

Wow, this is the first time I have heard about this. I wonder how many parents of the students currently enrolled at this school are aware of this. My children do not go to this school but I do know people who send there children here. What does this mean for this charter school and it's future existence in Winslow Township?

Mort T said...

This doesn't mean very much to the current students, parents or Winslow Township taxpayers. Clemmons has been out of the picture since before the start of the 2010-11 school year. She was, indeed, the founder but unfortunately didn't realize that such a position did not come with any special privileges. Too bad, she had a vision and made it a reality but got caught up believing that she was entitled to "special perks."

Anonymous said...

You must not be familiar with the whole story. Mrs. Clemons took nothing from the school. The invoice was something the board and the administration knew about as they were discussing an income for Mrs. Clemons. When it was decided that there was no way for her to get paid for helping create 3rd grade, the issue was dropped, the invoice destroyed BUT one person who was determined to destroy Mrs. Clemons made a complaint that the invoice was submitted for payment. Which it was not. The state suggested a program rather than have Mrs. Clemons go througha trial. I believe Mrs. Clemons said she wanted a trial because the board and the board attorney knew about the invoice. Money was a deciding issue and the state program was without cost. She was given one year off the board and 50 hours community service without the cost of going to trial. The person who instigated the charge has been fired by the board. Mrs. Clemons never acted as if she felt entitled to perks. It is a payless and thankless job she did. I know her and support her. The school will be better once her influence is once again invloved.

Karen said...

I did not mean for thst to be an anonymous entry. My name is Karen Brooker. My grandchildren attend TIFECS. I am proud of the school and of mrs. Clemons and not ashamed to say it.

Anonymous said...

This is why I don't believe in charter schools. They are in it for the money. All students should attend the public schools.

Anonymous said...

Please be aware that charter schools are public schools. They are just a non-traditional form of public schools. Charter schools are expected to do more with far less money than traditional public schools. I have been an educator for 14 years and worked in both types of schools. Personally, I like traditional public schools because they have greater resources, professional development, and benefits. However, charter schools embrace "out of the box" thinking which when done correctly,enhances student learning.

Anonymous said...

This school has been told to cease operating by the NJ education department at the end of the school year June 2013.