Statement from BOE Representative Sai Akiri

In a recent article by a for-profit information outlet, Ms. Bradford commented on some outstanding bills. This information was inaccurate, related to Board Business, and did not have the consent of the full Board of Education. Additionally, TapInto did not reach out to me or other BOE Members for their perspective.

Some of the unpaid bills referenced in the article are for professional services, and there are outstanding questions about billing practices that need to be resolved. Without clarity on billing practices and procedures pertaining to public contracts, I believe there is nothing wrong with additional scrutiny of bills.

Our district currently is very top-heavy, and perhaps we need to be more concerned with why the district has a $2.6 million surplus at the end of the year with a $1.4 million under-spent in the last month. Why are we experiencing such large surpluses when our students clearly have needs in connection to academic achievement?

The role of a board member is to provide oversight by reviewing bills to see how our tax dollars are being spent. Board members, as elected officials, have a fiduciary duty when handling public funds.

The total number of unpaid bills, when used for sticker shock, represents the money that could be used to fund our classrooms, teachers, and staff.

This is a significant concern that we must address.

These are my thoughts and opinions as an individual and do not represent the opinion of the Berkeley Heights Board of Education.

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