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GREENBURGH, N.Y. – Now that the State Supreme Court ruled that the Valhalla school district has to repay $1.86 million of illegally-funded money to the town of Greenburgh, some are wondering who is really at fault and others are worrying how the district will come up with the funds.
"It's unfortunate that the Valhalla schools got the end of the line on this one," said Michael Smith, former president of the Valhalla School Board of Education and incoming county legislator. "Nobody at the time said that this was illegal."
State Supreme Court Justice Nicholas Colabella ruled Friday that Greenburgh's 2004 agreement to give the Valhalla schools $650,000 a year for 10 years in exchange for hosting a homeless shelter within its borders, was illegal. In court, the district said that they were given nearly $1,865,000. The money came from rent paid by to the town by WestHelp, the homeless shelter in Greenburgh.
William Rosenberg, current president of the Valhalla School Board, denied comment, and firmly stated that none of the board members or the superintendent wants to speak about the case.
However, Smith, who was the board president from 2005 to 2011, said that the Greenburgh Town Board, county legislators and county executive gave their approval with no indication that there would be any future repercussions. Now, years later, the courts are saying the opposite.
"It will be extraordinarily difficult [for the district to pay the money back]," said Smith, adding that the tax cap and other state-mandated regulations might make it hard for the district to repay the town. "It doesn't appear that the school district really did anything wrong. Everyone imaginable in the process approved it."
While it is a victory for Greenburgh to be receiving nearly $2 million, some place the blame on Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, who reportedly ignored claims from local residents and civic associations in 2003. Feiner's opposition said at the time that the grant was illegal.
"This agreement should never have happened," said Bob Bernstein, a lawyer, Edgemont resident and intervenor on the case. "It was a cynical attempt to pay off a neighborhood. It was blatantly political, and it should have no place in public policy. It was wrong. And, for years, Feiner would not listen to those of us who were telling him that it was wrong, both morally and legally. It's gratifying to get a court to rule that the agreement was indeed illegal and unenforceable."
Nevertheless, Feiner still defends his decision. He said that he awarded the money to the Valhalla schools to compensate the community for keeping WestHelp in Greenburgh. Members of the Knollwood Civic Association argued that the nearby homeless shelter caused their property values to decrease. Bernstein, however, said that he found no proof of decreased property values at the hands of the shelter.
Just a reminder for those complaining that Valhalla got screwed. This money could NOT have been used for regular school budgeted items to begin with, hence the crazy items it was spent on before it was pulled.
November 2009
WestHelp, the gift that keeps on giving.
Just when you thought school district officials might be concerned that your taxes are too high, that you might be losing your job, or that your children's education is the most important focus of the Valhalla School District, we find, once again, time and money is being wasted chasing an illegal, unaccountable and failed program that made the Valhalla School District BOE the poster child for poor judgement and wasteful government spending. Don't be fooled, even as originally framed, the Westhelp partnership could not reduce your taxes and could not be spent on any regular budget item. Why in the world would the board and superintendent be spending any effort on something that does not address the core programs mandated by the state. It is incredible that those entrusted with the education of your children, never learn themselves.
Valhalla Will Sue to Reinstate Illegal Program
Despite, the NY State Comptroller's finding that the so called Westchester Partnership was an illegal scam channeling Greenburgh taxpayer funds to the Valhalla School District, and despite the fact that Valhalla has indemnified the Town against all legal action, even agreeing to pay the town's legal costs, the Valhalla board of education has now threatened to sue the Town over these funds.
The school district waited until after it had secured another $4.0 million bond so that these funds could once again be channeled to off budget projects like trips to the opera and adult booze cruises, while telling Greenburgh that these were lectures and museum trips for children.
So in the middle of a state audit that will focus further attention on the illegal spending that entitled proponents call "manna from heaven" , Valhalla makes its own bad press by drawing attention to the Westhelp Fiasco again. Chasing illegal money for programs that do not affect education. Doing the bidding of a private civic association.
Lets recap some of the illegal spending
Matching Grants to the Valhalla Foundation. It is illegal for private foundations to accept government (taxpayer) money.
Two salaries for Kensico School Principal. Employees on a Goverment payroll can no be paid two full time salaries. Mr. Meile was $50,000 a year in addition to his principal's salary.
Adult excursions including lunches, trips to the opera and a booze cruise. Disguising these as lectures and museum trips for children.
Pay for a board member's expense at a private school
Donations to Easter Seals
Summer trips to the Grand Canyon
Trips to the opera
Dinners at trendy restaurants
A booze cruise on the Hudson