Philadelphia charter school questioned on shared space with nightclub, spending practices

Philly charter school questioned on club, spending

PHILADELPHIA — Charter school by day, social club by night.

Authorities say that’s what it was like at a building housing the Harambee (ha-RAHM’-bay) Institute of Science and Technology Charter School in Philadelphia.

When school wasn’t in session, the space became a nightspot known as Club Damani. Authorities say the club served alcohol despite an expired liquor license.

A message left at Harambee was not immediately returned. A statement on its Web site says recent media reports contain “inaccurate allegations.”

Superintendent Arlene Ackerman is demanding the school end the shared-space arrangement.

The city controller announced Tuesday that his office also is investigating the school for questionable spending practices.