I thought everything that needed to be said had been said. Now I hear that one of our crankiest, least accurate, and least independent, local scribes (and THAT is saying something) criticized me for not hanging around to beat a dead horse some more.
I haven't actually read the rag. I am sure I will respond at some point because I wouldn't want anybody to give her venomous ramblings any credence. It's just not on this weekend's priority list. (It's like watching monkeys throw crap at the zoo -- entertaining at first, but not a lot of long-term satisfaction!)
A new Superintendent will be here shortly. And, so won't the auditors.
For four years we worked to get a more complete audit of School Department costs, including the Community School, the Athletic Revolving Account, and the Student Activity accounts. Last March, I was one of three former School Committee members that filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General to force the finalization of the 2009 Community School Audit. The OIG was interested in the bidding irregularities raised in the draft audit, and they felt the other concerns about Community School costs being paid by the school district warranted a closer look by the Dept. of Revenue and the Dept. of Education.
Without the distraction of constant personnel battles, and with the involvement of the DOR, the DOE, the OIG, and the Town's auditors, maybe the New & Improved School Committee will finally be able to answer the question: What does it cost to operate the Community School, and who is paying for it?
THAT should really piss her off!
Back to fishing ...
