In light of recent (major) budget and personnel cuts within Jefferson County Public Schools, we thought it’d be prudent to let our readers know about a rumor (dozens have spammed us with it – many individuals were entirely credible) that Superintendent Sheldon Berman is having his office renovated. At an alleged cost of $150,000. Complete with a glass wall and other items of luxury. $150,000. During a time of economic crisis within the school system. (Infuriating, isn’t it?)

Berman was alleged to have been conducting the remodel on the down-low with the work being done internally by the JCPS Maintenance/Renovations & Grounds Department.

Well… we’ve done some digging, have filed open records requests and are pleased to report that claims Berman is spending $150,000 to renovate his office are nothing more than unfounded rumors.

There is, however, some renovation going on around Berman’s office but it seems to be quite limited.

According to an open records request we filed 7 to 10 days ago, the only renovation is for the accommodation of staff members (like the hiring of DeVon Holt). Conversion of closets and such in order to create office space, putting a receptionist in a foyer area and constructing a glass wall for partial privacy.

The entirety of that renovation will only cost an estimated $15,000 or so.

Feel free to click here (Warning: PDF Link) to review a copy of the records we received.

Berman’s assistant tells us there are currently no renovations underway for Berman’s office itself and there are no planned renovations.

NOTE: This instance of rumor that we’re quashing should not be confused as an endorsement of anything Berman has ever said or done. We have proved, on this very website, that he’s not just someone fond of wasting money… he’s lied to us, point blank, about his past and current involvement with an organization poised to make thousands of dollars from JCPS and about his personal relationship with a “running buddy.” And for these reasons, we won’t soon be overlooking anything he does.