WHRHS(Watchung Hills Regional High School)
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)

Board of Ed meeting Nov 7, 2005

Since I asked everyone to come to the recent BOE meeting, I also wanted to follow up and report back to the PTO membership on what happened at the meeting. Thank you to everyone who went to last Tuesday's Board of Ed meeting. This kind of information is best digested first hand. I urge everyone to keep informed as this is of great concern to our community.

In addition to the criteria for the superintendent search, the construction project was discussed. I will follow up on the PTO results of the superintendent search criteria discussion and survey in a separate email as the construction issue is of a more pressing concern.

The construction project has become a complicated situation with many facts tied up in potential lawsuits.

With the construction incomplete, proceeds from the 41 million dollar construction bond are almost exhausted. Many issues seem to be contributing factors. Change orders early on in the construction project, items ordered that were more extravagant than necessary, in addition to inspection issues are among the causes for the situation. Prior to last May, there was no ongoing Financial Accounting happening of the project. The current Board has been working with legal counsel, an outside auditor and an internal district audit team to get a handle on the project.

One example given was of the chairs originally ordered for the new auditorium. The current board was able to realize a savings of $50,000 by changing the chairs.

In addition the district has only received $950,000 to date of the 9 million promised of state funds for the construction project. This is being followed up.

After the executive session, the Board voted to investigate legal action against the individuals responsible for potential mismanagement or overall lack of oversight. These individuals include the previous superintendent and a building inspector. After a two month investigation a public meeting will be called to discuss the results.

As unpleasant as this information is, I believe it's important for the community to get as much information as possible. And of course it is in the best interest of our students to see it resolved. Please feel free to pass this email around.

Thank you for your time,

Laura Mandell