This is just about as sad as it gets: a Roslyn (Long Island) superintendent who has bilked the local school district out of millions of dollars. He basically lived the high life for a decade all on the taxpayer’s dime. The Edweek article cited here (because of its emphasis on auditing) was written early on, when Superintendent Tassone was apparently trying to hide behind lawyers with a not guilty plea. In November, he pleaded guilty. The estimated amount of money missing is 11 million dollars. This, on top of an annual salary package for Tassone of over $260,000.

How is this possible, you ask? Well, first you have to have no scruples whatsoever. And then you need to find an auditor who also has no scruples and will cover up for your embezzlement.

So just remember, the next time your local school district doesn’t want to open its books for public scrutiny — there may be a very good reason for that. Make sure you are getting every penny of your tax dollars for school funding, and if you are suspicious, consider lobbying for an external audit that goes beyond the usual rubber stamp. It might be worth the additional cost.