THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 12, 1996 TAG: 9604110120
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
Thanks grand jury members for a `terrific job'
High praise goes to the special grand jury for its no-holds-barred handling of the investigation into the Virginia Beach school system's $12 million deficit. It is refreshing to see a report as factual and outspoken as this one. So often, these investigations gloss over the problems for which they were commissioned to probe and then fail to adequately place blame were deserved.
Clearly, the blame for this financial fiasco lies with top management of the school system, while the district's faculties and working level administrators are to be commended for carrying on during such stressful times. With almost all School Board seats vacated, this is the time for a fresh start. The new School Board must be a blend of caring people who are sensitive to the needs and concerns of students and faculty, along with fiscally responsible individuals who are capable of creating a realistic budget and of foreseeing potential problems and shortfalls before they become major disasters and embarrassment to the city and to the school system.
The City Council must insist on implementing controls and oversight that will prevent the superintendent and School Board from acting irresponsibly. The chief financial officer must not be allowed to break down major expenditures into minor transactions for which he/she does not need board approval.
This new board must be committed to its accountability for all actions related to the operation of the school system. Thanks, grand jury members, for a terrific job!
Richard Paradis
Virginia Beach by CNB