MacInnes Steps Down

The state’s assistant commissioner for Abbott Implementation over the past five years, Gordon A. MacInnes, submitted his resignation effective March 30.

In his resignation letter to Commissioner of Education Lucille Davy, MacInnes wrote: “We embarked on a course for which there was no blueprint or precedent. Since 2002 our work has been framed by eight decisions published by the New Jersey Supreme Court and by the priorities set in five governors’ budgets. Through all of this change and uncertainty, my colleagues have been steadfast in keeping our focus on improving academic achievement, particularly early literacy.”

No announcements have been made about a replacement for MacInnes.

Davy recently announced the consolidation of the education department’s compliance investigation and fiscal auditing units creating a new Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance. The move will increase the department’s capacity to oversee the spending of state education funds.

Headed by New Jersey State Police Major Robert J. Cicchino, who is retiring from law enforcement to accept the new position, the office will consist of auditors from the Division of Finance and the staff of the existing Office of Compliance Investigation. The office includes an investigations unit, a criminal history review unit, a grants audit unit and an internal audit unit.

Fifty-five New Jersey school districts will share $15 million in state grant funds to establish, expand or enhance public school programs and services for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Gov. Jon S. Corzine established the competitive grant fund through his Initiative on Autism in the 2006-2007 state budget. The Department of Education received 250 applications for the funding.

The 15-month grant program is designed to increase the number of public program options available to students with autism and to encourage districts to work together to develop cross-district programs that will meet the needs of students.

New Jersey has 7,400 children between the ages of five and 21 who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.