NYC Pays $192K For Nonexistent School Project Director
New York City taxpayers paid $192K for a school project director that never existed.
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New York City taxpayers are being charged $192,374 for a school project director who never actually led a school. The New York Post reported that Caleb Haraguchi-Combs, who previously served as vice principal at the Manhattan Center for Science & Mathematics, was appointed as project director for the Next Generation Technology High School in January 2026. Despite the school never being established, Haraguchi-Combs received a raise to match the salary of an acting principal.
School Project Axed Over Admission Policy
The proposed school, which aimed to focus on artificial intelligence, was canceled in April by city officials due to its merit-based admissions policy, which activists claimed would exacerbate racial inequality. Despite this, Haraguchi-Combs continued to receive a salary for his role as project director. The New York City Department of Education typically retains project directors for initiatives that do not come to fruition.
Haraguchi-Combs’ Rapping Side Hustle
Haraguchi-Combs, also known as Cal Combs, is a rapper who released two albums. His lyrics often reference consuming cocaine and alcohol, as seen in his 2017 song “Roundabouts.” The Daily Wire could not confirm whether his former employers were aware of his rapping career or the content of his music.
Education Background and Career
Haraguchi-Combs holds a bachelor’s degree in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from Eastern Kentucky University and a master’s in School Building Leadership from Fordham University. His LinkedIn profile highlights his work in technology education, emphasizing a human-centered approach to learning and community problem-solving.
Questions Over Taxpayer Spending
City officials have raised concerns about the waste of taxpayer money, questioning why Haraguchi-Combs couldn’t be reassigned to another school. A source told the Post that naming a principal before the school was approved was a misstep, and insiders are reportedly upset over the financial implications of the decision.
Source: Daily Wire
