Metro

Some Facebook funds to Newark go to consultants

NEWARK, N.J. — Some of the $148 million contributed to Newark’s schools by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and other donors has made its way to consultants and contractors with ties to the mayor and state education chief.

The Star-Ledger reports how the first $13 million spent so far from a gift first announced in September 2010 has been spent.

The newspaper found $7.4 million went to school-based programs while $4.3 million has gone to political and educational consultants.

Those funds include $1.9 million that went to Global Education Advisors, a company started by Christopher Cerf before he became the state’s acting education commissioner.

Two of Booker’s close allies received a total of more than $200,000 for their work in launching the Foundation for Newark’s Future, which is in charge of spending the donation.