Debt-ridden ICEF spent nearly $1.4 million on harassment claims

A financially struggling charter school organization has paid nearly $1.4 million to settle three sexual-harassment claims against its highest-profile educator, Fernando Pullum, a widely honored musician and teacher, The Times has learned.

Pullum, 54, quietly left ICEF Public Schools last year, and a school named after him folded into another campus under a different name. Pullum directed performing arts at ICEF, which developed a reputation as a strong program.

ICEF was embroiled in the harassment claims last year as the charter group, which operates 13 schools in south and southwest Los Angeles, was struggling for financial survival. At several junctures, it almost closed. ICEF nearly merged with another charter company due to its debt, but parents, students and staff rose in opposition. New donors and other supporters eventually contributed millions to keep the schools open.

Charters are independently operated but publicly financed.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-charter-harass-20120625,0,3289469.story