Audit finds ‘improper budgeting’ and ‘accounting errors’ led to Perth Amboy Schools budget deficit
The report from the state auditor also found that the district could’ve saved $4 million over a four-year period if it switched to a state health insurance plan.
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The Perth Amboy Board of Education is holding a meeting at the high school to discuss the results of a state audit of the school district.
The report found “improper budgeting” and “accounting errors” that led to a $13 million deficit.
The report from the state auditor also found that the district could’ve saved $4 million over a four-year period if it switched to a state health insurance plan.
The audit also revealed that district officials failed to follow purchasing policies and neglected to raise taxes for 11-straight years, which could’ve increased school revenue.
Teachers tell News 12 that they saw this coming as staffers were let go in 2024 and supplies for classrooms started to dwindle.
The teacher’s union wants the investigation to continue.
“They haven’t done a real forensic audit to determine whether or not there is waste in the district. Internal accounting controls are paramount to making sure that public dollars are spent appropriately,” said Jennifer Higgins, president of the American Federation of Teachers.
The union president said that they also saw bus service slashed while pay raises were passed for administrators, including the superintendent.
“Cuts in school nurses are a challenge. The drastic reduction in courtesy busing is also very challenging and impact the families we serve,” said Higgins
The school district sent a letter to the auditor, stating that corrective measures are being made so that this doesn’t happen again.
The Perth Amboy School District sent the following statement regarding the situation
