Auditors Reviewing Misappropriation Of Funds At Princeton Schools

PRINCETON, NJ — A team of independent auditors has been hired to review a case of possible misappropriation of funds at the purchasing department of Princeton Public Schools.

“The district has discovered some irregularities in our purchasing department. Although we have addressed the issues, we have appointed an independent auditor who will be reviewing our policies and internal processes and providing guidance on any necessary revisions to prevent a reoccurrence of the issue,” Board of Education President Dafna Kendall said during the board meeting on Tuesday.

“At this point, we can’t share any more information on the genesis of this issue, but we will do so when it is allowable and appropriate.”

According to a school spokesperson, the irregularities were discovered in the summer of 2021. The board voted to accept the audit and five-point corrective action plan during their recent meeting.

The school district refused to disclose how many people were involved in the misappropriation of funds but confirmed that there is an ongoing investigation of the Purchasing Department.

By law, Princeton public Schools is the conduit for some textbooks, technology and security funding, for the non-public schools such as Princeton Day School, Hun School, St. Paul's and other schools. Additionally, there are some federal funds that flow through PPS to private schools. The NJ State non-public funding is based on per pupil allocations.

Work on the audit is currently "well underway," the spokesperson said .

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