On March 22, at a regularly scheduled meeting of the school board, a resolution for the appointment of an owners representative to oversee construction projects relating to the bond referendum and capital improvements plan was approved, pending finalization.

The owners representative is to be Charles Palangonia, who was recommended by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee. The amount to be paid to Mr. Palangonia is approximately $85,000.

Several weeks ago, our school board awarded a contract to a construction manager. Perhaps something important was omitted from that contract which will be contained in this one; or are we checking up on a manager who was highly recommended by the Advisory Committee?

What is more likely is that this school board is engaged in spreading some of the largess that comes with a $40 million bond.

It is curious, however, that the resolution was adopted before the contract was finally written and negotiated.

What is more curious is, when questioned as to why we needed two contractors supervising the work in addition to an architect and the possibility of interaction to our detriment, I was advised that this process had been cleared with all concerned. When I asked counsels representative, who was present, whether it had been cleared with school board counsel, she did not answer.

Mrs. Leone, the school board president, stated that it had been cleared with school board counsel, who was not present.

I have serious doubts that this proposed contract was cleared because it appears to be illegal either under the municipal law or the state finance law. It may also cause supervisory problems to our detriment.

To Mr. Rudy's credit, he spoke out strongly and voted against it. Mr. Ryan was absent and excused.

I call upon the board to reconsider this resolution at its next meeting and before the contract is finalized.

The amount of the bond was far in excess of the amount required. Is this the reason that we have $85,000 to throw away at the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee?

Joseph A. Calamari

P.S. The architectural contract had to be amended to cover work not encompassed in the bond but covered in the budget. The cost thereof was not divulged.