Public speaker alleges fiscal problems at Highlands Community Charter; trustees say district has communicated concerns

Araceli Perez used the public‑comment period to urge Twin Rivers Unified to apply stronger oversight to Highlands Community Charter, saying she had documentation alleging fiscal malfeasance and citing audits. Perez told the board that Highlands spent $5,000,000 on a computer program intended to supplement curriculum but used by only 97 discrete users, of which only about 11% returned to use it again; she said another $2,000,000 was proposed in the next budget and that much district funding went to consultants outside the classroom.

Perez asked the board to subject Highlands to the same data‑driven scrutiny she credited the district with using. In response, the superintendent said the district has communicated its desire that the district no longer have a representative on Highlands’ board and that Highlands Community Charter must change its bylaws at its next meeting; the district would send a formal letter documenting that request.

Why it matters: the comments raise governance and fiscal‑oversight concerns about a local charter school with financial and programmatic implications. Trustees were told audits are under way; the superintendent said district staff have communicated with Highlands leadership and would follow up in writing.

Next steps: the superintendent said the district will send a formal letter about district representation on Highlands’ board; audits and further oversight were discussed by the commenter but no board action was taken at this meeting.