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The lawsuit names as defendants former Executive Director Lyndon Pitter, his ex-wife Nadine Pitter and former Board of Directors Chairwoman Fatima Ennis. Blumenthal filed the action on behalf of Department of Education (DOE) Commissioner Mark K. McQuillan and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. Blumenthal said, “Pitter’s misuse of funds nearly forced the school to close and put children in jeopardy of educational catastrophe. A strong team effort, installing new management and injecting state funds, saved the school from closure. It is now a promising success story.” Blumenthal added, “Lyndon Pitter misappropriated money that was supposed to educate children, diverting cash to purchase Armani suits, silk scarves and a car. He and his ex-wife lined their pockets with more than $170,000 they did not earn or deserve. Board Chairwoman Ennis approved numerous improper payments to Lyndon Pitter, enabling his wrongful conduct rather than stopping it. “The defendants’ alleged misappropriation of funds was a reprehensible, monumental betrayal of the children they were supposed to educate and benefit. Their alleged thievery nearly throttled this vibrant and vital school, threatening to drown student hopes and dreams in red ink. I am proud that my office and the Department of Education helped to save Highville Charter School, working with parents and community leaders. This effective team fight gave Highville Charter School its second chance to be an education gem.” “My office will fight fiercely for the state’s money. I will vigorously and aggressively seek return of every penny misappropriated, restoring money to its original and intended purpose, educating children,” Blumenthal said. McQuillan said, “It is important that we take steps to recover state charter school funds that are misused. Charter schools have a great deal of autonomy and flexibility which can help to improve opportunities for children. However, with this autonomy should come a greater sense of accountability; and we rely on charter school directors to act responsibly. When we have evidence that they don’t, it is the state’s responsibility to act. ” The lawsuit alleges that: • Former Executive Director Lyndon Pitter used the school’s credit cards to purchase personal items for himself and others, including cashmere scarves, Armani suits, silk pajamas, luggage, a car down payment and toys and games from FAO Schwartz. Pitter also received salary advances during the same time. Pitter reimbursed the school for some, but not all, the expenses and salary advances -- which occurred from 1998 to 2006 -- and he still owes at least $38,000; • Former Highville Mustard Seed School Board of Directors Chairwoman Fatima Ennis improperly authorized an additional $153,707 in improper payments to Pitter between October 1, 2006 and April 30, 2007; • Pitter, without approval of the school’s board of directors, authorized his ex-wife Nadine Pitter from July 2003 to November 2004 to receive a full time salary while working part time so she could attend college to obtain a nursing degree. As a result, Nadine Pitter, who eventually became the school’s nurse, received about $20,000 for time she did not work. In March 2007, Blumenthal’s office, the State Auditors and DOE issued a report outlining misappropriation of funds and other problems at the state-funded school. The lawsuit seeks return of misappropriated funds and fines of up to $2,500 per violation of state charity law. The school, which has changed its name to Highville Charter School, is funded through a combination of state grants and private donations. © Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of NorwalkPlus.com, Norwalk Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. [an error occurred while processing this directive] CURRENT HEADLINES: [an error occurred while processing this directive] Top of Page
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