Brentwood superintendent: Stinging audit marred by political agenda

A special board meeting was held Thursday night to address allegations of mismanaged funds and nepotism within the Brentwood Union Free School District, but a public session never took place. The findings

News 12 Staff

Dec 23, 2016, 8:34 AM

Updated 2,842 days ago

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A special board meeting was held Thursday night to address allegations of mismanaged funds and nepotism within the Brentwood Union Free School District, but a public session never took place.
The findings were unveiled in an audit released last month by the state comptroller's office.
Among the findings in the report, the board did not hire the most qualified available candidate for the superintendent position as required by its own policy; district officials did not post 17 of 27 administrative positions filled during the audit period, many of which were temporary; and district officials did not obtain fingerprints or criminal background check clearance for six of the hired administrators.
Superintendent Dr. Levi McIntyre responded to the findings during the meeting, saying the audit was marred by a political agenda.
The board then went into a closed-door executive session without any public comment.
Brentwood Union Free School District released a statement earlier in the day saying, "Although we disagree strongly with the audit's findings, we will carefully review the report with the goal of strengthening the Brentwood School District's operations."
The report comes as the Brentwood community continues to cope with gang violence and tragedy. Five Brentwood teens were killed within a month's time earlier this year.
"We need anti-gang programs. We don't need a hiring haul for friends of the board members," says Assemblyman Phil Ramos.
Ramos, who requested the comptroller report, also asked the board if it would take up the superintendent's status with the district in a vote, but its president declined.