Sadly, this is not a Fractured Fairy Tale*, nor a joke.
This post is about the use of public tax money, and the fact that there’s absolutely no accountability.
Dedicated teachers and vital programs are gone, yet this type of fiscal irresponsibility continues.
Please don’t let the flippant tone of this post excuse the flippant behavior of this administration and school board.
*Fractured Fairy Tales presented familiar fairy tales and children's stories, but with storylines altered and modernized for humorous effect. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rocky_and_Bullwinkle_Show)
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Once upon a time, she was on her way to the ASCD Conference, yet another one of the many conferences she attends in service to her kingdom. (http://www.ascd.org/Default.aspx)
Upon arrival at the Chicago airport, she realizes she is just parched! Whatever shall she do??
Oh! There!
The perfect spot for one of her stature to partake of some refreshment; after all, it’s true, is it not? “Let them eat cake!” . . .
"Let them eat cake" is the traditional translation to English of the French phrase "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche", supposedly spoken by "a great princess" upon learning that the peasants had no bread. Since brioche was enriched, as opposed to normal bread, the quote supposedly would reflect the princess's obliviousness to the condition of the people.
Ahhhh . . .that should do it . . . water, coffee, and a frosty beverage, just enough to quench her thirst.
Three drinks, you ask?
Oh, maybe she should not put her guest’s drink on the tab . . .
Oh posh! . . . no worries . . . $9.19 is a mere pittance, and the serfs back home will never know.
Later that day. . . she arrives at her destination. . .
The Omni La Mansion del Rio, San Antonio, the perfect place for one of her stature to stay. . .
. . . . . .
Luxury San Antonio River Walk Hotel
The Omni La Mansión del Rio is ideally nestled along the historic River Walk among the banks of the Paseo del Rio in downtown San Antonio, where it is perfectly situated for any visitor seeking to explore all of San Antonio’s extensive range of tourist attractions. It is within easy walking distance of the fabled Alamo, El Mercado, La Villita District, Spanish Governors Palace, San Antonio Convention Center and other well-known landmarks.
Blending Spanish colonial architecture and European style, the four-diamond Omni La Mansión del Rio surrounds guests with the romance, grace and charm of a grand hacienda. Our San Antonio River Walk accommodations provide a haven for guests with graceful service and tranquil surroundings. Built on three levels that descend to San Antonio's festive River Walk, the Las Canarias Restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere of graceful palms, flowing waters and scenic views. This luxury San Antonio hotel located on the San Antonio River Walk, was recognized in the Celebrated Living's Magazine as one of the top hotels in the Nation.
Blending Spanish colonial architecture and European style, the four-diamond Omni La Mansión del Rio surrounds guests with the romance, grace and charm of a grand hacienda. Our San Antonio River Walk accommodations provide a haven for guests with graceful service and tranquil surroundings. Built on three levels that descend to San Antonio's festive River Walk, the Las Canarias Restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere of graceful palms, flowing waters and scenic views. This luxury San Antonio hotel located on the San Antonio River Walk, was recognized in the Celebrated Living's Magazine as one of the top hotels in the Nation.
Each of the hotel’s 338 luxury guest rooms and suites celebrate the romance and history of the River Walk in picturesque downtown San Antonio, the nation’s second oldest city. The Spanish colonial style offers a distinct sense of place with beamed ceilings, exposed brick walls, marble baths and modern conveniences such as flat screen LCD televisions, Internet access and games.
Room Features
· Marble bathrooms with custom bath products
· Cotton robes
· Irons with ironing boards
· Fully-stocked refreshment center
· Coffee maker
· Hair dryer
· Alarm clock
· All guestrooms are non-smoking
. . . . . .
Ahhh . . . just lovely . . .
But oh!. . . what she would do for a nice cup of coffee . . . coffee would be wonderful, but oh my! . . so many steps to the elevator! . . and that walk through the lobby!
Well, look there! . . . right in the room, there’s a charming little coffee maker! How convenient! Maybe she could just brew her own?. . .
Oh posh! . . . It’s soooo much easier to walk past the coffee maker to the telephone . . . and the serfs back home will be none the wiser . .
One Small Coffee . . . . . . . . $ 6.00
Delivery Charge . . . . . . . . . $ 4.00
21% Service Charge . . . . . . $ 1.26
Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.81
Gratuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2.50
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.57
Privilege of being a Princess on FC Taxpayers’ Dime - Priceless!
. . . . . .
This is just one example of blatant disregard for taxpayer dollars.
For the price of that $14.57 small coffee, Jacoby could have walked downstairs and bought two; or better yet, $14.57 could have paid for an FC student’s lunch for seven days.
And the board permits this type fiscal irresponsibility, over and over again.
All receipts shown in this post were obtained through a citizen’s right-to-know request.
Below is the cover sheet itemizing the receipts shown in this blog, along with the bill from the Omni.
Note the numerous redactions.
By law, all manner of financial information is public, including receipts submitted for reimbursement. Redactions should be limited to public school employee home addresses and credit card numbers.
