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THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MARION BARRY. JR. Jan 14 1998 Dr. Andrew Brimmer Dear Dr. Brimmer: While I am a strong proponent for establishing salary and wage levels that are comparable to other jurisdictions, I must express my surprise at the latest revelations of signing bonuses awarded to top officials of the District of Columbia Public Schools. The District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority ("Authority") was established to control spending and prevent abuses like those that have been alleged. It is especially disheartening to learn that certain individuals in top positions are awarded large salaries and bonuses while other District of Columbia Public School employees work at salaries and wages that have not been increased in more than three years. During this time, non-union and union employees have been subjected to furloughs and pay reductions. As Mayor, I must further express dismay at the apparent secrecy surrounding the awarding of bonuses and payment of taxes on behalf of certain senior D.C. Public School of finials. When did the Authority learn of the "signing bonuses" paid to D.C. school officials and when did it learn of the tax payments made on their behalf? What other extraordinary pay arrangements have been authorized by or sanctioned by the Authority? It is incredible that General Becton should describe the practice of giving signing bonuses and "grossing up" by making tax payments as a "standard industry practice." We know of no instance where government or school system employees receive signing bonuses and have tax payments made on their behalf. These extravagant salaries and signing bonuses use funds-that might better be used to hire excellent teachers, repair school buildings and provide resources for the classroom. As Mayor, I must express my concern that the Authority be more vigilant in its oversight of management, procurement and the establishment of salary levels for top employees. The Authority should immediately direct that the bonuses be returned. Sincerely, Marion Barry, Jr. GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA JAN 14,1998 Dr. Andrew Brimmer Dear Dr. Brimmer: As Mayor of the District of Columbia, I must express my concern at newspaper reports of a Cotton and Company audit of the financing and oversight of the $30 million roof-repair effort performed by the District of Columbia Public Schools. If the reports are true, what troubles me most is an astonishing arrogance and disregard on the part of senior D.C. Public School officials for required employee performance during audits. If the school system's top lawyer, as reported in the Washington Post, advised school system officials not to cooperate fully with the auditors, there may be questions of ethical behavior, at a minimum, and questions of possible violations of law. What kind of message does this send to other D.C. officials and employees who are asked regularly to produce truthful reports and participate in audits? Is it possible that the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority ("Authority") could have known about school officials' failure to cooperate fully with the audit and could the Authority have interceded to direct that school officials comply with requests? Is it right for the Authority to sanction such insubordinate behavior? Given the significant nature of the findings, the Authority should immediately direct that school employees cooperate fully with the Inspector General. It is the least that is expected of every other government employee and school officials should not be exempt. All District Government employees should be expected to comply with the law. Sincerely, Marion Barry, Jr. |
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