Editorial for May 22, 2008 edition:


Make them talk

It appears that the storm clouds of uncertainty that had settled over the Philadelphia Academy Charter School following accusations of financial hanky-panky and conflicts of interest by two former high-ranking officials have begun to move on, and it’s not a moment too soon.
The school’s founder, Brien Gardiner, and CEO, Kevin O’Shea, have both left PACS — which has 1,200 students at its two locations in Somerton — and, while a new board of trustees and CEO will have their work cut out for them, Gardiner and O’Shea should not be let off the hook. The two men have not been charged with any crimes, but they should be compelled to answer questions by independent investigators as soon as possible.
Why have they not provided key documents requested by attorneys probing the school’s finances? What did Gardiner and O’Shea know about school finances and when did they know it? What happened to school funds that PACS collected during O’Shea’s reign that reportedly are missing? Why were O’Shea’s sister and daughter on the payroll? Were school credit cards used improperly?
These questions and others can and must be answered, and if it ultimately takes grand jury subpoenas requiring Gardiner, O’Shea and members of the outgoing board of trustees to tell what they know, so be it. Let the chips fall where they may. Nobody’s above the law.
With summer vacation just a few weeks away, everyone at PACS — students, teachers and parents — should reflect on the importance of full disclosure and total access. After all, sunlight is the best disinfectant. ••

Respond to this editorial . . .

Click here for Letters to the Editor . . .