Will Whittle be around next year?

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05/09/2022 13:37

Subject: Will Whittle be around next year?

Anonymous

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Anonymous wrote:I heard that a charter school was in negotiation to use that space next year. Not sure if it's all or some, it didn't sound like a done deal.

Judging from a "Confidential" email sent by MR, it is not a done deal and is ongoing. CW and company keep stuff like this like a suspense thriller. There really is nothing going on or something is moving at a slow pace, but CW and minions just are like 'wait for the next episode and TBC...'

Could you post the email? Very curious about what their current scheme is. We are former parents. Left because of many reasons, but mainly that whenever we donated money, it was never the end. One staff member told us there were people on the payroll list they had never talked to or seen in the building. Our kid was happy, but we had to do what was best for them academically.

I posted part of this so-called email from MR a few pages ago, but here is the full version below. You seem to have more info about what is going on and the inner workings of the school than I do, so if you can comment on this email, that would be great!

Dear Whittle Families:

As Chris noted in our Parent Forum last week, we expected a major part of the larger capital transaction (the refinancing of the building’s debt) to close at any moment. Chris just called me to let me know the closing has just been completed! Though frustratingly long in the making, this is WONDERFUL NEWS that we should all celebrate. As we discussed in the forum, the other two parts of the transaction with Whittle and Friendship Charter can now move forward. We expect these to move quickly and will keep you posted when they close as well.

Hmmm. This e-mail reminds me of the e-mail families received in December/January saying that everything was moving along/finalizing and that it was reason to celebrate. Until it wasn’t…and then they asked for more money from parents. It seems to be same song and dance as before. One family paid the leadership team’s salaries. That also put a bad taste in our mouths. They claim to have gone months without being paid. Yet, we know the family that paid their salaries specifically. The dishonesty is very apparent once you start talking to the right people. Who knows how many other times that’s happened…or something like it.

The building being mortgaged for a 4th time--doesn't solve a problem for Whittle School and Studios, it's insolvent tenant that's refused to pay all of its debtors, lenders and contractors.
Friendship coming in to lease some studio space they got a free trial of last summer might help a bit..but it doesn't finance the school..it just takes the pressure off some of the building's operating cost..

Donald Hense the head of Friendship was totally played by Chris-by allowing him to be on the Board for years while it was a glaring conflict of interest. Then CW targets him, offers free space last summer and now has his hands on the budget..something he and MR are deeply experienced at..they know how to skim funds from charter budgets..see their history... it's been a glaring conflict of interest for years for Whittle to have been on the Friendship Board ...minutes from a recent meeting on this indicate that Hense felt it was just fine for Whittle to sit on the Board of both entities making a deal with each other because hey, he didn't vote when it came up for approval..he just worked it from behind..DC at its best...Whittle at it's best...except...... they are still bankrupt...and can't pay for toilet paper..

I looked up Donald Hense, and it seems like he retired from Friendship several years ago, so not sure if he has anything to do with the space leasing at Whittle.

Well..Donald Hense oversaw the meeting where the free lease was approved in Jan 2021. Here is a cut and paste from the minutes..its pretty slimey

Monique Miller asked Ms. Brantley and Mr. Hense to address the perceived conflict of interest with Chris Whittle serving on the Friendship PCS Board of Trustees and being the Founder and CEO of Whittle Studio and Schools. Dr. McGriff stated that the perceived conflict of interest is noted in the resolution and that Chris Whittle is not voting. Chris White asked if there is any exposure to him or us with a conflict of interest being on our board and his board. Dr. Prince stated that if there is not a monetary connection here, this is a free lease, with no exchange of money; we are not at risk as long as we have duly done the notices we are supposed to do.