Garden State Times

Senate Republican Budget Officer Declan O'Scanlon (R-13) has criticized the Newark Public Schools Superintendent for spending over $50,000 of taxpayer money on a "Superintendent's Staff Fun Day" while some school buildings lack air conditioning. This comes as schools prepare for a heat wave.

"I've been saying it for years that school districts receiving massive, unnecessary funding increases were going to find ways to shovel the ridiculous excess out the door. It's outrageous," said Sen. O'Scanlon. "Newark school district is thumbing its nose at the more than 150 school districts that are facing educationally damaging cuts this year, as well as their own students who need air conditioning."

Reports indicated that an invoice for Newark Public Schools totaled $50,238.50 with line items for food, alcohol, a DJ/Emcee, inflatable carnival booths, police security, and payment for the venue at Forest Lodge.

This expenditure occurs while more than 150 school districts across the state face critical funding cuts due to years of aid reductions and inflation. Additionally, Newark school district staffers have reportedly taken expensive trips to Hawaii and other parts of the country and spent thousands of dollars defending lawsuits related to violations of OPRA.

Since 2018, Newark’s formula aid has increased by 67%, amounting to more than $1.2 billion.

To speak with Sen. O'Scanlon, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications at [email protected].