'Ethical Malpractice': Lawmakers Back Old Sturbridge Village Charter School Investigation

WORCESTER, MA — A group of lawmakers representing Worcester wants the top state watchdogs — including the Ethics Commission and the state attorney general — to probe the ties between the Old Sturbridge Village museum and its planned charter school, the Worcester Cultural Academy.

Last week, state Sens. Robyn Kennedy, Michael Moore and Ann Gobi and state Reps. David LeBoeuf and Mary Keefe sent a letter to State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Inspector General Jeffery Shapiro, and Ethics Commission Executive Director Davis Wilson requesting an investigation. The letter underscores a similar request made by the district last month.

The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education board granted the Worcester Cultural Academy's charter earlier this year amid outcry from local officials. One main argument opponents made: the new charter school will pay annual six-figure sums to the Sturbridge museum in the form of management fees. The district has estimated those fees could amount to $1.7 million over the first five years the charter school is in operation.

Old Sturbridge Village CEO Jim Donahue has also previously said those fees would provide a steady source of revenue for the museum to counter shifts in attendance and other unstable economic factors.

"Where there are concerns of conflict of interest or ethical malpractice, I have always strongly supported investigations to shine a light on wrongdoing or to debunk false claims. The Worcester School Committee’s request for an investigation into ties between the Old Sturbridge Village and the Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School should be honored," Moore said in a news release.

Funding for the Worcester Cultural Academy will come from tuition charges assessed against Worcester Public Schools, and local officials have said the new charter school will effectively wipe out new state funds coming to the district through the Student Opportunity Act.

DiZoglio has already agreed to investigate the ties between the charter school and Old Sturbridge Village. DiZoglio agreed to do the audit after the Worcester School Committee voted to request one in February. The committee has also asked the other state watchdogs for investigations.

The letter from state lawmakers backing the charter school probe is the latest counter-play from Worcester following the DESE board's vote. Last week, the committee unanimously voted to stop field trips to Old Sturbridge Village. Member Tracy Novick said the district should use its budget "to support activities and organizations that are ethical."

The Worcester Cultural Academy charter school could open by the fall, starting off with about 360 seats for elementary-level students.