Room 410 at Liverpool High School was packed full of angry taxpayers Tuesday night demanding answers from the board of education, which held its first meeting since the release of a report from the state comptroller’s office detailing questionable financial practices in the district since 2000.
“This district has been mortally wounded,” said village resident and former county legislator James Farrell. “This administration is mortally wounded in its ability to lead the district.”
Farrell suggested that board members consider resigning, a proposal that drew hearty applause from the crowd.
Farrell wasn’t the only resident to express disappointment.
“I came here angry about the money,” said Monica Johns. “But now, I’m sad. That’s money that is being taken away from kids who really need it, kids who have enough things against them. It makes me very sad.”
But the comptroller’s report wasn’t the only topic on which the board was questioned. Mike Asalino asked about the stadium.
“Why not go after the contractor [for the original stadium]?” Asalino, who is in the construction business, asked. “Why was no bond required for the project?”
Dennis O’Hara, attorney for the district, revealed that the district’s architects handled all of the arrangements for the construction of the original stadium in the late 1990s. He also admitted that no contracts were ever executed for the project.
“We’re talking to the state education department to see what they’ve got,” O’Hara said.
For the full story, including reactions to tonight’s board meeting, see the Aug. 13 edition of The Liverpool Review.
