Officials of Peoria Charter School Initiative want it made clear the organization running Quest Charter School is not affiliated with another group mired in controversy. PCSI board spokeswoman Rob Parks says she and the board are aware of an investigation into Gulen Schools, a Turkish Group which operates charter school in 25 states.
The New York Times this week published an investigative report about questionable financial and immigration practices of a sizable group of Texas charter schools operated by followers of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish Islamic religious leader. Parks says Quest's parent organization, Concept Schools, Inc. based in Des Plaines, a Chicago suburb, is also Turkish based. She says the PCSI board knew nothing about the Gulen organization when forming Quest, but the board did hear a little about Gulen last fall.
Parks says the board leadership met extensively with Quest parent company Concept Schools at the time and came away comforted there was no linkage between Concept and Gulen. Parks says the board remains confident there's no connection to this day.
Parks says Quest's Principal Engin Karatas Blackstone is Turkish, as is the school's business manager. Both are employees of Concept Schools. She says one math teacher of Turkish decent has been hired to teach next school year, but will be employed by the school.
Parks says at least one charter school watchdog group is trying to link Concept and Gulen. Parks advises any parents of Quest students with questions or concerns should contact Quest or Concept Schools for information.
