During last night’s Board of Education meeting, the Lakewood Board of Education members unanimously passed a resolution directing the district to cease using “Special Revenue” funds unless so directed in writing by the NJ Department of Education.
As explained at last night’s Board meeting, “Special Revenue” funds are those that are dedicated and restricted to non-public services such as Chapter 192, 193, 226, security, and textbooks that are front loaded for the year in the beginning of the year by the NJ Department.
Business Administrator Kevin Campbell stated that the district is in deficit and that he has been told to use “Special Revenue” funds by the newly-installed State Monitor Louise Davis so as to keep the district afloat.
The text of the resolution reads:
WHEREAS, the Lakewood Board of Education acknowledges its responsibility to ensure the appropriate and lawful use of all district funds, including General Funds and Special Revenue restricted accounts; and
WHEREAS, the State Monitor and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), pursuant to the authority granted under applicable laws and administrative codes, have directed the utilization of Special Revenue Funds to meet the educational and operational needs of the district’s General Fund; and
WHEREAS, the Business Administrator plays a critical role in overseeing the financial operations of the district, ensuring compliance with State mandates, and maintaining fiscal accountability; and
WHEREAS, Special Revenue accounts, including State Grants, must be managed in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth by the grantor and applicable state and federal regulations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lakewood Board of Education shall only continue to utilize Special Revenue funds if so directed, in writing, by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Business Administrator shall provide regular updates to the Board regarding the use of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in all financial matters.
UPDATE – VIDEO: At last night’s Lakewood Board of Education meeting, when members of the Board asked the current State Monitor, Louise Davis, when the district would know if the $125 million loan would be provided, Ms. Davis appears to cast the responsibility on former Monitor Kelvin Smith.
She stated, in part, “he gave you assurances,” referring to former Monitor Smith.
You will probably delete this comment but it’s the truth. Perhaps if the town was to build major school building, all on one piece of land, for all the Jewish students, there would be less traffic and more collected taxes. This was suggested a number of years ago. Think of all the tax money the town is losing. Just in Pine Acres Estates there are 3 new schools, each built on 3 adjoining properties. That’s 9 properties off the tax rolls, each property was paying approximately $5000 in taxes, which is $45,000 less money collected. Now add all the other schools in town and see what the total tax loss is.
There are over 30,000 students just in Lakewood alone not counting all the towns around Lakewood, just how big is this building going to be?
You can say the same about BMG spreading out further and further.
I once had an issue with aide in lieu , called Mr Campbell’s office and he was most helpful
He’s a hard working guy and a mentch. We need more people in office like him.