ELIZABETH — State Sen. Michael Doherty wants Attorney General Paula Dow to investigate allegations raised by The Star-Ledger that some high-level officials in the Elizabeth school district are abusing a federally-subsidized school lunch program. "If The Star-Ledger story is true, it appears that highly paid school officials in Elizabeth are gaming the system for their own personal enrichment," Doherty...
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State Sen. Michael Doherty wants the Attorney General's office to investigate whether the children of some Elizabeth school officials have been improperly receiving discounts on school lunches.ELIZABETH — State Sen. Michael Doherty wants Attorney General Paula Dow to investigate allegations raised by The Star-Ledger that some high-level officials in the Elizabeth school district are abusing a federally-subsidized school lunch program.
"If The Star-Ledger story is true, it appears that highly paid school officials in Elizabeth are gaming the system for their own personal enrichment," Doherty (R-Warren) said in a news release.
In a story published Sunday, the newspaper found that the president of the Elizabeth Board of Education, a school principal and a supervisor of custodians all have children enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program, despite not meeting federal income eligibility requirements.
The Attorney General's Office is aware of the matter, but does not comment on potential investigations, said Paul Loriquet, a spokesman for Dow.
Spokesmen for Gov. Chris Christie did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
Doherty also called on Acting Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf to investigate the allegations of fraud and corruption. The state Department of Education did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
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Marie L. Munn, president of the Elizabeth Board of Education, has a son listed as eligible for free lunches.Previous coverage:
• Elizabeth school officials' kids don't pay full meal costs, records show
• At least $1.5M paid out secretly by Elizabeth schools, a fraction of workers' settlements
• Two investigations launched into Elizabeth school board
• Elizabeth Board of Ed candidates can spend donations from school staff on election, court says
• Investigation finds Elizabeth school board pressures workers to fill campaign coffers
• Former Elizabeth schools employee admits to defrauding district
