Senator Kenneth P. LaValle today announced that legislation he sponsored to create the Office of School Inspector General (SIG) has passed the Senate. Under the measure, the office would be responsible to examine and evaluate all financial records of school districts and would ensure that no one loses sight of who’s picking up the tab.
"The public has lost faith in those managing school district finances," said Senator LaValle. "School districts have come under fire for hiring practices that do not pass the smell test, while administrative personnel are retiring with an annual state pension one day and, the day after, returning to the job with the same salary. The cost of which is paid directly from taxpayers’ pocketbooks!
"The need for greater transparency is evident. Taxpayers are being deceived and our children’s education compromised. For years, I have fought to create the Office of School Inspector General," continued Senator LaValle. "This office would have the authority to review and assess the fiscal performance of a school district and evaluate its financial practices."
Senator LaValle noted that in 2006, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota supported the enactment of this measure after an extensive investigation of school district spending and a Grand Jury Report that recommended an "Inspector General for Education." However, the education community continually block this measure, which has not been helpful to our education system or the taxpayer.
According to Senator LaValle, the Office of School Inspector General would be effective in that it would provide ongoing monitoring of school district spending and practices. This would help restore the public’s confidence in their school district’s financial decisions.
"Time is fast passing for someone to take control. The people want, as well as deserve, answers. It is my hope that the Assembly will make this issue a priority so that we may rebuild the public’s trust and reestablish the bond between the school system and the community," concluded Senator LaValle.
|