State audit finds improper spending, background checks, excessive aid at Newark public schools

A state audit found that Newark public schools failed to complete employee background checks, inflated enrollment numbers for more state aid, and made spending decisions without board approval. According to the report, the school district could have saved $18.7 million over two years if it switched to the state’s health benefits program for public workers; did not perform criminal background checks for 10 employees and did not perform updated background checks for 199 workers; and spent $566,000 to build, equip, and operate a gym used by an average of seven people per day, among other findings. Newark school district spokesman Paul Brubaker said the district is reviewing the report’s recommendations.

From TAPinto Newark.