The Newark Public Schools' "Superintendent’s Staff Fun Day," held on June 1, 2024, at the Forest Lodge in Warren, New Jersey, has sparked discussions about fiscal responsibility in public spending. The event cost $43,813.90 and was attended by 275 employees from the central office along with their children.
This event excluded teachers and school staff, who have described their new contract as "a slap in the face" after a challenging year. Although the expenditure represents a small fraction of the district's $1.7 billion budget, it has raised concerns within a community that relies on 63 schools serving over 40,000 students and nearly 3,000 teachers.
The New Jersey Department of Education’s Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance criticized the event for lacking educational or professional content. Marc Pfeiffer, a policy expert from Rutgers University, noted that districts can fund staff appreciation events through independent foundations instead of using public funds for such purposes.
