NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools’ response to an audit flagging millions in questionable spending and oversight failures? A victory lap, Save Jerseyans.
Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn wants state intervention instead.
The Monmouth County Republican is calling on New Jersey’s education commissioner to appoint a state monitor after auditors identified missed savings, inflated enrollment figures, background-check failures, and matters referred to the state Division of Criminal Justice.
Among the findings: $18.7 million in potential health-benefit savings over two fiscal years, $6.7 million in excess state aid tied to overstated enrollment, and $2.5 million spent on an unfinished museum project. Auditors also found 10 employees who had never completed required criminal background checks and another 199 whose checks needed updating. The district subsequently took corrective steps.
Newark nevertheless proclaimed it had passed with “flying colors,” emphasizing the audit’s generally favorable assessment of how tested transactions were recorded and related to district programs. Its press release went further, claiming auditors “found…nothing.”
That’s quite a definition of nothing.
Flynn contrasted Newark’s spending with Monmouth County districts struggling with aid losses and cuts to teachers, staff, and programs.
“Every dollar wasted is a dollar taken away from this state’s students, including Newark’s,” Flynn said.
She also pointed to spending on an administrative gym, senior trips, catering, and a staff “Fun Day” as evidence that district priorities need serious scrutiny.
“These are egregious errors in judgment by officials entrusted to educate Newark’s children and it’s time they answer to a state-appointed monitor,” Flynn added.
For taxpayers watching their own schools scramble to balance budgets, Newark’s self-congratulations probably aren’t much comfort.
