New Jersey education officials have halted the reappointment of Michael Inzelbuch as the Lakewood Board of Education’s attorney, citing procedural concerns and ongoing fiscal scrutiny of the district. The decision, announced late last week, comes as Lakewood grapples with huge financial hurdles, including a growing state loan debt and budgetary constraints affecting both public and private school services.
Inzelbuch, who has served as the district’s attorney since 2017 and previously from 2003 to 2013, has been a key legal figure in navigating Lakewood’s complex funding landscape. His compensation structure, which includes a $50,000 monthly base salary plus an hourly rate for additional services, has drawn attention due to the district’s financial reliance on state loans.
A recent report by the state Department of Education’s Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance (OFAC) raised concerns over the contract’s bidding process and the documentation of legal expenses. The report flagged the lack of a competitive bidding process for Inzelbuch’s contract, a practice typically used to ensure cost-effectiveness, and highlighted questions regarding the billing structure.
Lakewood’s state-appointed fiscal monitor ultimately rejected the renewal of Inzelbuch’s contract for the 2025-2026 school year, citing incomplete documentation as well as the district’s financial situation.
The district, which serves approximately 4,460 public school students while funding transportation and special education services for over 42,000 private school students, has relied on state loans to cover budget gaps. If a pending $65 million loan request is approved, Lakewood’s total debt to the state will reach $238 million.
Board President Moshe Bender defended Inzelbuch’s role, arguing that his legal expertise has been critical in managing the district’s complex financial and special education needs. Bender noted that all legal expenses are accounted for with invoices and within contractual guidelines. “Lakewood believes the state’s actions are not supported by facts or law,” he said, announcing plans to challenge the state’s decision.
The dispute highlights Lakewood’s longstanding funding challenges, which have been the subject of legal battles and policy debates. A 2023 appellate court ruling found that the state’s school funding formula does not adequately account for Lakewood’s unique financial obligations, yet a long-term solution remains elusive.
It’s about time let’s go !!!!!!
lol 600,000 yearly base pay plus hourly billing, sounds like a scam to me
Is one halachically allowed to sue a city where majority of the taxpayers (the people paying the bill) are Jews? What about overcharging a city with threats of lawsuits (protection in Mafia speak) if they don’t hire him?
It is Inzelbuch’s Contract that has made Lakewood go broke. There is Nobody Else, In The State, Getting Paid what he’s getting paid. It’s Not Even Close. Furthermore, IF Lakewood had gone out to bid for Lakewood’s School Board Services, They would be paying MUCH LESS and MIGHT be able to pay their bills to teachers, staff, and supplies, WITHOUT THE NEED for Another Loan From The State..