Lance: Education Commissioner Should Reappear Before Budget Committee

By John Gorman

Audit Reveals Millions Wasted in Union City School District

Senator Leonard Lance (R-23), the Republican Budget Officer, requested today that Education Commissioner Lucille Davy reappear before the Senate Budget Committee to explain the finances of the Union City School District.

"While property taxes are rising and everyday citizens are forced to sacrifice and scale back spending, we learn today of an audit that shows one city in particular has wasted millions of dollars of taxpayer money, " Lance said. "It cannot be allowed to continue. I am calling on Education Commissioner Lucille Davy to reappear before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee to explain the finances of the Union City School District and to explain how she intends to stop this incredible abuse of taxpayer dollars."

A 2007 audit of the Union City School District revealed there were numerous examples of questionable and wasteful spending, including over $70, 000 for ads, $50, 000 for a public relations firm to help prepare a monthly newsletter, and more than $20, 000 a month for website development.

Union City is slated to receive $149 million in state education aid for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. This is an increase of over $20 million from FY 2007-2008.

"Providing an adequate and affordable education as well as lowering the property tax burden on homeowners, are not mutually exclusive, " continued Lance. "We must rein in wasteful spending practices and hold everyone involved accountable. In the end, both students and taxpayers pay the price for this wastefulness."

JOHN GORMAN can be reached via email at jgorman@njleg.org.

Related topics: Leonard Lance, Lucille Davy, school funding

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