by Lauren Jefferson

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the superintendent of schools addressed the issue of inventory controls, excess property and supply shortages in the department Aug. 30 school board meeting.

“There are numerous checks and balances which can be used to assess management and inventory control with the city and school,” said Dr. Albert F. Argenziano.

Alderman Denise Provost said she has been told by parents that they have been asked to send in soap for the bathrooms or to take up a collection to reimburse a custodian who had to buy her own supplies.

“Rest assured all schools will be supplied,” the mayor said. All schools will have supplies delivered next week, he said.

School board member M. Teresa Cardoso told the mayor she was concerned about the breakdown in communications between the school board and the mayor.

She said the only information she had received about the problem was through second hand sources.
Provost said she interested in finding out how the situation happened and how it could be prevented in the future.

Part of the problem was a lack of control and procedures but he was committed to getting answers to the board and the public, said Curtatone.

The mayor said he and the superintendent of schools met three times discuss the inventory issue.

“The superintendent and I are on the same page,” said Curtatone “Part of the problem is that there is currently no inventory system but he says they are trying to create one so this does not happen in the future.”