New York State Comptroller says "Dissidents" were right all along!

Below is the report completed by the New York State Comptroller, in which he clearly backs up claims made by members of the Board of Education last year. In a previous post, we upload the letter which prompted this investigation, but here it is again. The results: The administration has not been following proper procedure relative to change orders. Period. Read it for yourself.


change order -

Dr. Eastwood unwiling to negotiate with Mayor regarding sewer/water problems

Despite many offers to negotiate, Dr. Eastwood has been unwilling to sit down with Mayor DeStefano to discuss and negotiate their differences over solutions for the water/sewer problems for the new elementary school. Dr. Eastwood has drawn a line in the sand and refuses to work with the mayor towards a solution. Dr. Eastwood has attempted to work around the mayor on related issues and has contacted the mayor's subordinates rather than dealing directly with him. Although there may be substance to Dr. Eastwood's position, his stubbornness and unwillingness to negotiate with the mayor demonstrates a greater concern for his own ego rather than a concern for the district and the need for our students.

Here is the letter that was sent to Mayor DeStefano from Mr. Carl Thurnau, Director of Facilities for the state education department, and below is the mayor's response. This should clarify this issue.


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Times Herald Record hides the true story about change orders

Too bad the story that was buried on page 10 of yesterday's paper was not included in the on line edition. Rather than simply reiterating the "first he said, and then the other one said" melodrama found in today's article, yesterday's story softly pointed out that the New York State Comptroller found that Middletown has not been handling construction change orders properly... exactly as the so called "minority faction" have been saying for over a year. In other words, the board members who claim that big money decisions are being made behind their backs, now have the support of the New York State Comptroller.

This finding by the State's chief financial officer doesn't exactly follow the unwavering story line that the Record has developed over the last year and a half: "dissidents impede superintendent from the excellent work he is doing." What the audit shows is that board members were right to raise questions about the construction projects. And by implication, it should make us ask why the superintendent and his supporters - including those here at the paper - worked so hard to ridicule those who were asking the right questions.

Maybe someone from the newspaper can join in this discussion and explain the journalistic decision making behind these articles and their placement. Here is yesterday's complete story, now available for your comments.


"M'Town district advised to alter construction policy

The state comptroller's office has recommended that the Middletown School District tighten up its policy on construction change orders to better safeguard public funds.

The state recommended that the school board change district policy so that the board is notified in a timely manner of proposed changes, so the board can review and approve all change orders before completion of the work.

District officials have agreed to follow the recommendations.

From July 2007 to October 2009, the district spent $26 million on its Phase I construction project - the new athletic facilities and high school renovations - of which $1.8 million or 6.9 percent was in change orders. Seven percent had been budgeted for changes.

Auditors found that without a comprehensive policy, about half the change orders were approved after work was done.

The board adopted a change order policy in September 2009; the auditors said that policy needs more changes to provide better control over the public's money."

By Fred Isseks

Dissidents Allegations