Weekend Wrap Up

“On the lcps website it proudly states the district is the 3rd largest employer in the city with over 3600 employees. I can't imagine the cash flow this must generate. What are the audit policies for this? Is the district subject to external audit? I noticed on the department listing that the finance department doesn't list an audit position. Is there ANY internal audit function?” Blogger Comment: LCPS is subject to an annual external audit. The audit for 2005-06 was just finished. There are two CPAs and an additional 4 accountants in the Finance Dept. Up to this year, LCPS has always had very clean audits. The audit of the 06-07 fiscal year should be interesting.


“At LCPS, all purchases over $5,000 require 3 quotes and over $15,000 require formal a request for proposal and formal bidding to take place. This doesn't apply when Diaz friends are involved.Victoria Delgado is contracted for $25,000 as a consultant with LCPS, no bid process was followed. The $20,000 training contract with Diaz friend Jose Martinez wasn't put out for bid. Clarence Tolbert and Frank DeStefano have contracts for about $7,000 as consultants. Prior to being hired as an LCPS employee, John Marsilio also had a $7,000 contract as a consultant.The regulatory bid process hasn't been followed for contracting with any of Diaz friends. Neither was the normal hiring process followed. There was no job posting for John Marsilio's $125,000 job.” Blogger Comment: Diaz has made liberal use of the state regulation that allows contracted services up to $40,000 (annually) without a formal request for proposals. I doubt the legislature had this type of abuse in mind when they passed that bill.


"If you want someone to run for school board who is pure in his desire for what is best for kids and teachers, then we need to have Norman Todd run for a school board seat."


“When Dr. Diaz hired Liz Marrufo I thought maybe she is going to value the talent we have right here in Las Cruces. However, from what I read it is obvious she just wants to line the silk pockets of her friends. We should not be hiring anyone who has the dirt on them that her new hires have. Does she really think we are stupid enough to believe that this is the best we can bring in? The board should not let her bring these people in!!! The board needs to get a leash on her as well!!! I used to teach for Liz a long time ago and she wasn't afraid to stand up for what was right for kids. I get the feeling she is afraid of Dr. Diaz, because I am shocked she isn't standing up right now! Dr. Diaz is a bully and uses tactics that keep teachers, administrators, central office employees and the school board shaking in their shoes. If we can't get some concerned parents to take some action we are helpless. As a retired teacher I know these poor people are afraid of losing their jobs. Look at how many people she has already found a way to get rid of. We need the community to step up and get involved! I will be there at the next board meeting!!! Will you?”


“Let's make a list of how many people have been put on leave, moved around, or have resigned (bear in mind the resignations were most likely forced)1. Jerry Laws2. Jo Ann Patton3. Jack Jenkins4. ? Martinez(Human resources guy)Just those four alone are the positions that have the most impact on LCPS. She cleared the top positions out.Next she has moved and messed with 1. Dante Thacker2. Dan Davis3. Dr. ArmendarizWho else can you add to this list? She is cleaning house to make room for her friends. All of those people are long time Las Crucens. Does she not think we are good enough?”


Does anyone know anything about Victoria Delgado? What exactly is her expertise – other than being a friend of Diaz?


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