NJ parents demand answers over school district funding discrepancies
NEW JERSEY (PIX11) – Nutley parents are demanding answers from the school district’s Board of Education amid an investigation into financial issues.
Superintendent Kent Bania sent a letter to parents and staff on March 18th, writing the Board of Education had ‘learned of factors impacting the finances of the Nutley Public Schools.’ The letter went on say that the district does not anticipate any changes in programs or education, and that it has employed the help of professionals who specialize in this area.
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According to its annual independent audit, the Nutley School District spent approximately $11.4 million more than it took in during the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2023. The audit showed that the district’s maintenance reserve budget was drained to $40. It’s capitol reserve plummeted from $1.66 million to $21,258.
Dozens of parents attended Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, hoping for clarification and concerned about the possibility of funding cuts and layoffs.
“The mismanagement of the funds, the hiring of certain employees is all quite concerning at the moment,” said parent Stephen Gilberti.
“Our town is really growing,” said parent Liz Wakelin. “We are desperately in need of bigger facilities and I’m afraid that’s going to be out the door with all the losses that we’re suffering.”
The Board of Education could not answer most questions Monday night because of legal and personnel issues but said that district officials promptly communicated the financial concerns to the appropriate state authorities and the New Jersey Department of Education. The Board promised transparency in all steps of the investigation.
Noticeably absent from Monday night’s meeting was business administrator David DiPisa. The Board would not confirm that DiPisa is out on leave but did say that it is working with the county and state to determine an interim business manager.
In a statement to PIX11 News, the Department of Education wrote:
“The New Jersey Department of Education (Department) received notice on Monday, March 18 that Nutley School District has a potential deficit as we get closer to the end of the current fiscal year. The Department is in the process of working with the district to ensure its continued operations as the underlying issues are investigated and any necessary solutions are put in place.”
PIX11’s Katie Corrado has more in the video player.
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