West Orange School Business Administrator on Paid Leave After $13.5M Deficit

July 9, 2026 - 02:11

The West Orange school district has placed its business administrator on paid administrative leave after the discovery of a $13.5 million budget deficit, according to documents released to Montclair Local. The official, whose name has not been disclosed in the initial records, was removed from duties pending an investigation into the financial shortfall that has alarmed parents and local officials.

District representatives confirmed the leave in response to a public records request, but have not provided details on how the deficit occurred or what steps are being taken to address it. The gap represents a significant portion of the district's operating budget, raising questions about oversight and financial planning. School board meetings have seen increased attendance as residents demand transparency and accountability.

The business administrator is responsible for managing the district's finances, including payroll, vendor contracts, and budget forecasting. The leave comes amid broader scrutiny of school spending in the region. Officials have not set a timeline for the investigation or indicated whether other employees are under review. The district has pledged to release a full financial report within the next 30 days, but has not yet announced interim leadership for the finance office.