“Today, two challenges face education: decreasing state funding and fracturing families. First, schools must develop alternative funding sources; endowments and scholarships.”
Board Member Bruce Sharpnack
The League of Women Voters of Washington County
“Voters Guide”
October 31, 2011
http://palwv.org/washingtoncopa/municipal11.html#fort
“. . . schools must develop alternative funding sources” . . .
At the July 18, 2011, board meeting, Sharpnack “challenged” the school board and the public to raise $1 million in three years.
This “challenge” came from the same man who permits and partakes in the fiscal irresponsibility that is rampant among the administration and the board.
From January 2008 through August 2011, Fort Cherry Administrators and School Board members amassed $155,563.33 in reimbursements.
The benefit to students and staff remains questionable.
In this post, we will look at more of the reimbursements submitted by Sharpnack, who challenged the public to fundraise $1 million, and Jacoby, who ordered that dreadfully expensive cup of coffee.
To begin, here’s a look at FC’s policy for Job Related Expenses:
The Superintendent shall prepare procedures for the reimbursement of travel
expenses which shall include:
1. Each request shall reasonably detail the reason for the expenditure.
2. Under normal conditions, administrators traveling on official business shall provide themselves with sufficient funds of their own for ordinary expenses.
3. Travel shall be by the most direct and economical route.
4. For official travel by other than automobile, the district shall arrange for the purchase of transportation tickets in advance.
5. In all instances of travel and job related expense reimbursement, full itemization of expenditures shall be required.
6. Those on travel shall exercise the same care in incurring expenses that they would in traveling on personal business.
FORT CHERRY DISTRICT POLICY No. 331
SECTION: ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEES
TITLE: JOB RELATED EXPENSES
ADOPTED: March 27, 1995
http://fortcherry.schoolwires.net/fortcherry/lib/fortcherry/_shared/District_Policies/300_Administrative_Employees/331-Job_Related_Expenses.1.pdf
Now let’s look at the receipts submitted for reimbursement . . .
Jacoby and Sharpnack both attended the ASCD Conference in March of 2010.
ASCD Holds 65th Annual Conference and Exhibit Show, March 6–8, in San Antonio, Tex.
Alexandria, VA (02/17/10)—Thousands of educators, including teachers, principals, superintendents, and school board members, will work with experts at ASCD's 65th Annual Conference and Exhibit Show to learn what works best when preparing students for an increasingly competitive world. Running from March 6 to 8, 2010, in San Antonio, Tex., the conference provides educators with valuable professional development essential to improving student achievement in their own schools, districts, and communities.
· Jacoby spent 5 days and 4 nights at $267.36 per night (includes tax) in San Antonio.
· Total Reimbursement Cost to FC taxpayers: $1,740.90
· Sharpnack spent 3 days and 3 nights at $220.66 per night (includes tax) in San Antonio.
· Total Reimbursement Cost to FC taxpayers: $1,376.64
Here is the Mileage/Expense Reimbursement form submitted by Jacoby for her attendance at the conference. It’s the one with the $14.57 cup of coffee discussed in the October 20th post. (http://fortcherryinfo.blogspot.com/2011/10/once-upon-time.html)
Jacoby submitted conference expenses for the dates of March 5 through March 9.
The ASCD Conference was held March 6 – 8, 2010.
Fort Cherry taxpayers paid for Jacoby’s hotel room and meals on March 5.
Cost to FC taxpayers: $267.36 for the room and $62.69 for meals
And, it would appear Jacoby checked out of the hotel on March 9th, but remained the entire day in San Antonio, charging Fort Cherry taxpayers for her breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Cost to FC taxpayers: $59.04
Policy #331 Item #3: Travel shall be by the most direct and economical route.
Were the charges submitted for March 5th and 9th considered “official business” and “direct and economical”?
And what about the $14.57 cup of coffee submitted by Jacoby?
Policy #331 Item #6: Those on travel shall exercise the same care in incurring expenses that they would in traveling on personal business.
??????
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Let’s take a look at Sharpnack’s expenses:
Like Jacoby, Sharpnack and his guest stayed at the Omni La Mansión del Rio.
Was the Omni the “most economical”?
Looking at the ASCD Conference webpage, it appears that Jacoby and Sharpnack had several recommended hotels to choose from, many with lower daily rates than the OMNI. A quick check on Expedia.com confirms that hotels are available for as low as $39 per day.
Here’s the Mileage/Expense Reimbursement form submitted by Sharpnack:
However, Sharpnack submitted only one “excess baggage ticket” for $25.
Enjoy exquisite cuisine in a romantic riverfront locale at our signature four-diamond restaurant, recently awarded Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. Executive Chef John Brand passionately oversees a sustainable seafood menu filled with exotic new dishes and tempting standards. And don't miss our acclaimed Oyster Bar, which includes a variety of the freshest oysters, clams, crab, shrimp and ceviche. A full wine list and specialty tequilas are also available. For reservations, call 210-396-5817.
It appears that Sharpnack booked travel for himself and his guest through the local AAA Travel Agency.
However, Policy #331 specifically states that air travel arrangements are to be made by the District.
Policy #331 Item #4: For official travel by other than automobile, the district shall arrange for the purchase of transportation tickets in advance.
??????
Sharpnack was reimbursed $343.80 for plane fare and an additional $50 for his excess baggage.
However, Sharpnack submitted only one “excess baggage ticket” for $25.
Let’s take a look at Sharpnack’s submissions for meals.
March 6, “lunch”: Starbuck’s
March 6, dinner: ????
Sharpnack submitted this receipt to Sroka, the business manager, requesting reimbursement of $37.81.
A resident was given the copy shown below in response to a right-to-know request.
It is unknown if the amount of the receipt was visible to Sroka.
March 7, lunch: Las Canarias
As shown below, Sharpnack’s receipt from the Omni shows a $104.23 charge for lunch at 12:06 at Las Canarias restaurant.
Here’s a description of Las Canarias:
San Antonio Fine Dining on the Famed River Walk
Las Canarias
Built on three levels that descend down to the River Walk, the AAA four diamond Las Canarias is known for its romantic and relaxing atmosphere. Sitting under the graceful palms, watching the flow of the river, or being caught up in the festivities of people strolling by, diners are carried away to another place and time. Inside, Las Canarias recreates the graciousness that accompanies fine dining while providing the comfort that contemporary lifestyles demand.
Las Canarias was voted Readers and Critics Choice for Best Hotel Restaurant by the San Antonio Express News for 2009.
Las Canarias is "American Refined." It is a careful presentation of sight, smell, texture and taste. It is a "celebration of food and wine." If you want to eat, you can go anywhere, but if you want a truly memorable dining experience, then Las Canarias is the place.
Signature items include: Warm Spinach Salad, Chateaubriand of Beef Tenderloin, Creekstone Braised Beef and the finest hand-made margaritas on the River Walk.
http://www.omnihotels.com/findahotel/sanantoniolamansiondelrio/dining.aspx
Since it is known for its romantic and relaxing atmosphere, we will assume Sharpnack took his guest.
A call was made to the Omni, and according to the hotel receptionist, the Las Canarias "experience" is not for one who is on a time schedule or in a hurry.
Perhaps the conference wrapped up early that day?!
Keep in mind that these conferences do NOT require participants to sign in and sign out. It would be very easy to “attend” a conference without actually “attending” the conference sessions.
No other receipt for Las Canarias lunch was submitted. Sharpnack charged Fort Cherry taxpayers $52.11, for one-half of the check, based on the Omni receipt.
Reimbursement without an itemized receipt?
Policy #331 Item #5: In all instances of travel and job related expense reimbursement, full itemization of expenditures shall be required.
??????
That $52.11 could have included more than food . . . one or two of the “finest hand-made margaritas on the River Walk” may have been on the bill.
Without full itemization, the taxpayers could have reimbursed for . . . anything.
March 7, lunch???: Menger Hotel
The Omni receipt shows Sharpnack enjoying lunch at 12:06 at Las Canarias. Did he have two lunches? Since the time has been redacted from this receipt, taxpayers have no way of knowing the time of this transaction.
In addition to the redaction of the time, there are other redactions on the receipt. . . Fort Cherry taxpayers reimbursed for . . . ?????
Why the redactions?
All manner of financial information is public, including receipts.
Without full itemization, the taxpayers could have reimbursed for anything . . . not necessarily “lunch”.
March 7, supper??: Jerry’s
It appears that after the lunch at Las Canarias, and the additional “lunch” at the Menger Hotel, Sharpnack and his guest had room for dessert.
It appears that identifying “ice cream” as “supper” warrants reimbursement.
March 8, breakfast: Starbuck’s
March 8, lunch: The County Line on the Riverwalk
Sharpnack requested $23.60 as reimbursement for this lunch. However, even if you include the entire amount for tax and tip, the total should be $21.84 after subtracting his guest’s portion.
March 8, dinner: Paesanos Riverwalk Ristorante
Here’s a description of the restaurant Sharpnack chose.
Classic Italian and contemporary Mediterranean dining on the San Antonio Riverwalk
When you visit or entertain on the River, you want to be at Paesanos RiverWalk. You and your guest will enjoy the comfortable and contemporary enclave at the bend in the River Walk. Paesanos Riverwalk Ristorante breaks the boundaries of traditional Italian cuisine to explore modern Mediterranean specialties. Enjoy the legendary Shrimp Paesano, it’s almost as famous as the Alamo. Our prime Riverside location puts you and your guests at the center of the action, with indoor or al fresco private dining spaces- relaxed yet refined settings.
And, enjoy a selection from one of the River’s most impressive wine lists, perfectly paired to complement your meal.
http://www.paesanosriverwalk.com/
March 8, dessert???: Pesca on the River
Here’s a descritption of Pesca (now known as Ostra):
San Antonio Dining
Ostra
Enjoy exquisite cuisine in a romantic riverfront locale at our signature four-diamond restaurant, recently awarded Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. Executive Chef John Brand passionately oversees a sustainable seafood menu filled with exotic new dishes and tempting standards. And don't miss our acclaimed Oyster Bar, which includes a variety of the freshest oysters, clams, crab, shrimp and ceviche. A full wine list and specialty tequilas are also available. For reservations, call 210-396-5817.
http://www.mokarahotels.com/sanantonio/dining.html
Sharpnack submitted this receipt for 4 desserts. Showing a total of $80.10, this receipt included more than crème brulee and chocolate fudge cake.
Because the remaining charges have been redacted from public view, the public remains in the dark . . .
Without full itemization, the taxpayers could have reimbursed for . . . anything.
Business . . .or pleasure?
Looking over the remainder of the reimbursement sheet, there are two $25 charges for cab fare.
No receipts were submitted.
Reimbursement without a receipt?
Policy #331 Item #5: In all instances of travel and job related expense reimbursement, full itemization of expenditures shall be required.
??????
Sharpnack left his car at the airport during his “business” trip to San Antonio and submitted his parking receipt for reimbursement.
All manner of financial information is public, yet the arrival and departure times have been redacted from Sharpnack’s parking receipt. Why?
Sharpnack also claimed mileage for this “business” trip.
Fort Cherry taxpayers paid $31.90 in mileage reimbursement for Sharpnack and his guest to get to and from the airport for this “official business trip” – a trip that was paid for with taxpayer funds.
??????
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Sharpnack appears to make a habit of submitting receipts for reimbursement without following board policy.
Let’s take a look at other receipts submitted by Sharpnack for reimbursement:
July 18, 2009: This receipt was submitted without a Mileage/Expense Reimbursement cover sheet.
Policy #331 Item #1: Each request shall reasonably detail the reason for the expenditure.
Fort Cherry taxpayers reimbursed Sharpnack for 3-year unlimited access to . . . what?
The public has no idea.
??????
September 24-25, 2009: PSBA Conference
September 24: Starbucks
September 25: Popeye’s
The Starbucks receipt was for $3.76, but Sharpnack requested reimbursement of $11.13.
The Popeye’s receipt was for $8.35, but Sharpnack requested reimbursement of $11.65.
There are three people working in Fort Cherry’s business office. Someone should be verifying these submissions.
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Sharpnack, his fellow board members, and FC administrators are reimbursed with taxpayer funds.
Do Fort Cherry taxpayers foot the bill for “pleasure” under the guise of “business”?
Did Sharpnack and Jacoby bring back anything tangible from their trips to San Antonio, other than a bill?
From January 2008 through August 2011, Fort Cherry Administrators and School Board members amassed $155,563.33 in reimbursements.
On May 23, 2011, by Board Resolution, Fort Cherry School Board members voted to furlough dedicated teachers and eliminate vital programs.
Sharpnack, who is up for reelection, approved the reimbursements as well as the board resolution which furloughed teachers and eliminated programs.
Those items were also approved by Sharpnack’s fellow board members, three of whom are up for reelection:
· Ray Miller
· Larry Heinrendt
· Jamie White
Sharpnack, who permits and partakes in the fiscal irresponsibility at Fort Cherry, challenged the public to fundraise $1 million.
Would that $1 million provide more money for education, or more money for administrative and board perks?
