Apr 21 2017 8:25 am

Millions of dollars that the Lakewood School District failed to use, are being returned to the State as non-public school kids beg for services.

TLS has learned from several sources that the district reportedly failed to utilize and/or returned the following monies – which were initially allocated by the State for Lakewood children:

1. Chapter 192 -(“Compensatory Education “–for both regular education and classified students such as additional help in Math and Language Arts and ESL ) 2. Chapter 193 – (Evaluations of Classified Students and Supplemental Instruction) 2014-15 – $3.9 million 2015-16 — $6.2 million 2016-17 — $ 5.9 million 3. IDEA — ( Special Education for Non Public Children such as Resource Rooms in Yeshivas, Occupational Therapy , Physical Therapy ) 2015-16 -$59,130 2016-17 -$122,856

When contacted, former Lakewood Board attorney and special education consultant & statewide expert Michael Inzelbuch, stated, “Unfortunately, this appears to be the sad and dismal state of affairs in district. Who to blame is irrelevant. The District requires individuals, staff, and professionals who have a long term and investment in making the Board operate as a lean, yet efficient business for the children who need help – all children – public or nonpublic regardless of where they attend.”

As to the state monitor, Inzelbuch stated, “It looks like they are really trying, but, it almost appears that either he does not have the relevant background information and documentation despite efforts, and can’t seem to get hold of it due, in part, to the complexities and mosaic of Lakewood.”

This is a developing story. Further information is expected to be released in the coming days.