Update: Parents raise emergency funds

Parents connected to the Croft School say they are working to keep the private school network operating after allegations of financial misconduct involving its founder triggered a leadership shake-up and raised concerns about the school's future.

The school's board suspended co-founder Julian Croft earlier in March after discovering what it described as significant financial irregularities and previously undisclosed debt. School leaders warned families that the network had limited cash on hand and could face payroll shortfalls within days if emergency funding was not secured.

Parents and supporters quickly organized a fundraising effort to keep the schools operating through the end of the academic year, according to GBH news. The effort is intended to stabilize the network while the board investigates the financial situation and determines long-term plans for the
schools.

The network includes a campus in Boston's South End, where families have been closely monitoring developments. Some parents told GBH News their immediate priority is ensuring students can finish the school year with minimal disruption.

The crisis has also spilled into the courts. A landlord who owns a South End building tied to a planned Croft campus has filed a lawsuit alleging the founder used falsified financial documents during lease negotiations, according to Universal Hub.

School officials have said they are continuing to assess the network's finances and working with families on next steps.