Jersey City district is investigating whether a principal had worker do home renovations

By Melissa Hayes/The Jersey Journal
March 31, 2010, 9:00PM


The Jersey City school district is investigating whether a principal had a maintenance worker from her school renovate her home.

Superintendent of Schools Charles T. Epps Jr. confirmed that allegations were made against a principal and others who may also be involved.

?It?s only been alleged,? he said. ?An investigation is ongoing right now.?

Deputy Superintendent Flavio Rubano is conducting the investigation into whether the principal had a maintenance employee she supervises work on her home and her daughter?s home.

The principal allegedly recommended the employee to another principal and district supervisor.

Besides investigating if the employee actually did the work, officials are investigating if the alleged work was performed during the worker?s school work time.

Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said the school district has not contacted his office about the matter.

He said if the employee was doing work for the principal while he was being paid for the district, his office could become involved.

Speaking generally, he said such a case could result in theft by deception or official misconduct charges.

?But that?s very preliminary,? DeFazio said. ?You have to really investigate and look at the specific facts.?