Struggling Inglewood School District Spends Thousands To Send Educators To Swanky Resort
INGLEWOOD (CBSLA.com) — The Inglewood Unified School District, which is under state control, spent thousands of dollars to send educators on a weekend retreat to a swanky San Diego resort, CBS2's David Goldstein reported.
The district, which was taken over by the state in 2012 and given a $55 million loan, sent principals and administrators to the Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa, all for a junket to discuss curriculum.
They spent more than $38,000, including $9,000 for a motivational speaker, Goldstein said.
"I think it's a bit much," a parent said. "I'd like to go to La Jolla and to a hotel and have a good time."
Don Brann, who was appointed by the state to oversee the district, admits it was a bad use of money. However, he said once he found out about the retreat, the deposits had already been made and the hotel wouldn't return it.
"It's one of the transactions that slipped through and by the time I found out about it, it was too late," Brann said.
The district superintendent said those who made the decision will be held accountable.
A spokesperson for the state Department of Education said the issue will be investigated.
