A recent presentation to the Citizens Oversight Committee (COC) highlighted troubling patterns of spending within the Nassau County School District (NCSD), particularly regarding the use of referendum funds and general budget allocation. Rich Lamken, a concerned citizen and advocate for fiscal accountability, raised several important points regarding the district’s budgeting practices.
One key issue discussed was the misuse of referendum funds, which, like bond funds, are intended to supplement—not replace—general fund expenses. For example, the district allocated $92,000 from referendum funds for Athletics Transportation, despite having a budget line item for this purpose in the general fund. It was suggested that if the general fund budget isn’t sufficient, it should be increased, not supplemented with referendum funds.
Additionally, concerns were raised about significant budget increases without sufficient oversight, such as when one line item increased from $4,000 to $85,000 from one year to the next and another increased from $7,000 to $75,000, without any justification provided. Furthermore, the district recently spent significant funds to renovate weight rooms that had been recently updated, raising questions about the appropriateness of these expenditures.
Perhaps most concerning, Rich Lamken pointed out that the district has a second-grade teacher serving as the Technology Director—someone who publicly admitted lacking the expertise to handle key technology functions like systems, security, or network engineering. This is a critical area where the district could save hundreds of thousands of dollars by properly staffing and managing technology services in-house, rather than outsourcing.
Rich also highlighted the district’s assumption that the referendum will be easily renewed in 2026, despite ongoing concerns about fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Desired Outcome: Increased Fiscal Responsibility and Oversight in the School District
Nassau County residents deserve a school district that uses their tax dollars responsibly. The desired outcome is a performance-based budget process that allows for clear oversight and accountability, ensuring that referendum funds and other financial resources are spent effectively.
Additionally, a Citizens Budget Advisory Council (CBAC) should be established to provide continuous oversight over the district’s entire budget. This would include evaluating the necessity and impact of each expense, ensuring that any budget increases are justified, and that funds are being used in ways that benefit the students and community. A more transparent budgeting process would help prevent wasteful spending and ensure that taxpayers’ money is used in the best interest of the students.
Call to Action: Hold the School District Accountable for Fiscal Oversight
We need the school district to immediately implement a performance-based budget process, establish a Citizens Budget Advisory Council (CBAC), and review all significant expenditures to ensure that funds are being spent appropriately. This oversight will help ensure that the district operates efficiently, with no wasteful spending, and with full accountability to the public.
What Can You Do?
- Get Involved: Attend Citizens Oversight Committee meetings and engage with local school board members about this issue.
- Support Accountability: Advocate for the creation of a CBAC and a performance-based budget process.
- Stay Informed: Follow Rich Lamken’s work and research on district spending, and stay up to date on all budgeting discussions and decisions.
