MONROE, CT — Board of Education Chairwoman Donna Lane will attend tonight’s Board of Finance meeting to answer questions about the investigation into former superintendent of schools Jack Zamary’s budgetary oversight.
On Monday, First Selectman Ken Kellogg told the Town Council he asked Lane to speak at the meeting in response to constituents’ concerns over the findings, which were not released to the public.
“I am respectful of the exclusive jurisdiction of the Board of Education over their personnel matters,” Kellogg said at Monday’s Council meeting. “However, I feel that there are certain aspects that require clarification, especially as relates to taxpayer funds.”
“I am grateful that Chairman Lane has confirmed her attendance at that meeting,” he added. “Board of Finance Chairman Mike Manjos has advised me that he shares these same concerns and is eager to facilitate this discussion, so that further clarity may be brought to this matter.”
The meeting will be today (Thursday, Sept. 17) at 7 p.m. Click here for the agenda.
Zamary and his interim director of finance and operations, Frank Connolly, were placed on paid administrative leave in January as Attorney David Ryan, who was hired by the school board, conducted his investigation.
No final report was released, but in a press release issued on Aug. 28, Lane wrote: “Dr. Zamary identified budgetary issues, nearly all of which pre-dated his hire as Superintendent. The Board has determined that Dr. Zamary was not responsible for any of these issues.”
But Lane did not make further comments and without the release of the investigation’s findings, the issues have not been made public.
In response to a Freedom of Information request from The Sun, Lane said in a written statement, “Attorney Ryan’s report was in draft form and not completed, therefore, it is my understanding that under CT Supreme Court law no disclosure is required.”
Zamary is currently working as a consultant at his $193,800 superintendent’s salary. But he will part ways with the district by the end of the year, according to an agreement passed by the Board of Education on Aug. 25.
