The New Yorker has come out with a damning report that details how state and local officials in Newark and New Jersey, respectively, largely wasted a $100 million donation from Facebook's founder, Mark Zuckerberg, to improve the city's schools.
In 2010, Zuckerberg announced on Oprah's television show about his generous offer, and demanded few stipulations for the donation, except that Newark's then-mayor, Cory Booker, find other donors to raise another $100 million (thus, Zuckerberg's money being matched dollar-for-dollar), and that the superintendent of schools be replaced by a "transformational leader."
The governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, signed off on the deal, and joined Booker in trying this new approach to funding a struggling school district.
What occurred, says the The New Yorker, is rampant waste, to the tune of $20 million alone being spent on consulting firms, with some individual consultants making upwards of $1,000 a day. Likewise, Zuckerberg's stipulation of a new superintendent went unfulfilled for months, until Booker eventually hired Cami Anderson.
Cami Anderson, according to the report, implemented ideas for programs--but never fleshed those programs out. Basic issues like transportation weren't even finalized, never mind academic matters.
Newark citizens haven't heard from Zuckerberg, Booker, or Christie how much money the district has left, or how poor the situation really is, says the magazine, "despite millions spent on community engagement."
To recap this mess:
1. A billionaire donates $100 million to improve a destitute school district.
2. Politicians promise to improve the schools as a result of that money.
3. Money goes to consultants instead of improving schools.
(...stop me if you're surprised at any point...)
4. "Community engagement" involves neither the community or engagement.
5. No one responsible wants to talk.
In other words, it's just Tuesday in New Jersey.
photo: dailytech.com
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