According to a report from the local news website Tapintonewark.com on Sunday (June 16), the Newark school district in New Jersey held its annual year-end event at a trendy venue on June 1, spending over $50,000 and providing beer, which has sparked criticism from various parties.
The event, known as the “Superintendent’s Staff Fun Day,” took place at Forest Lodge in Warren, a picturesque wedding venue, and was attended by 275 adults and 140 children.
The total cost of the event amounted to $50,238.50, covering expenses such as food, beer, a DJ/emcee, inflatable carnival booths, police security, and the venue rental at Forest Lodge.
According to the invoice obtained by Tapintonewark.com, the menu included a “Bar Service” offering two American beers and one imported draft beer, all of which were included in the event.
The report on Tapintonewark.com’s Facebook page has garnered nearly 400 comments, most of which are critical in nature.
On Tuesday (June 18), district spokesperson Nancy Deering clarified that the “adjusted cost” of the event was $43,813.90, which is less than $50,000. Deering emphasized that taxpayers or the district did not cover the cost of beer or the so-called “Bar Service” at the event.
Deering stated that the event was not merely a party but served an “important purpose,” emphasizing the positive effects on employee health, morale, and teamwork. She highlighted the benefits such as increased participation, improved efficiency, alignment towards common goals, and ultimately greater success for the district.
Furthermore, Rutgers University senior policy researcher Marc Pfeiffer noted that such events are not common in government agencies. Pfeiffer warned that hosting such events in the public sector could lead to perception issues and potential misuse, hence the state laws regulating the use of public funds in such circumstances.
State regulations from the Department of Education prohibit the use of public funds for “entertainment, food and refreshments” for school district staff events or recognitions, such as banquets or social gatherings.
Since 2018, the state government has implemented a new funding formula for school districts, resulting in significant reductions in allocations for over 140 districts. Some districts, including Newark, have benefited from this new funding structure. The Newark district approved a budget of over $1.5 billion in March, with more than $1.25 billion coming from state allocations.
State Senate Republican Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon criticized the Newark district for wasting taxpayer funds, stating that districts with excessive funding tend to find ways to spend the surplus extravagantly.
While State Assemblyman Alex Sauickie shared concerns from constituents employed in the Newark district about the surplus funds, pointing out that the Jackson district in his area had lost $22.4 million in state government allocations. Sauickie urged the Department of Education to take action in response.
Jackson District had to borrow $10 million from the state government in the last fiscal year to cover budget shortfalls, facing a $25 million deficit for the 2024-25 school year, necessitating further cuts in positions and programs.