Board members say they may have paid millions of dollars more than necessary
by Megan Morreale, Special Writer
HAMILTON — The Township Board of Education voted last week to explore suing their former insurance broker, Marliese Ljuba, who represented Allen Associates and health insurance provider AmeriHealth.
During the June 19 meeting, members of the board said they feel they may have paid millions of dollars more than necessary because of a bidding scam, allowing AmeriHealth to win the district’s business consistently.
”I will investigate any probable cause for further legal action in connection with any wrongdoings in regards to school district health insurance matters,” board attorney Joseph Betley said. “We have to look at whether there’s a probable cause, whether there’s a basis.”
The board would hope to gain back taxpayer funds that were lost in the event there was no competitive bidding.
”What you’re doing allows us to pursue those possible claims,” Mr. Betley said to the board. “We’ll report back to you with what we think is out there, what the risks are and what the cost of litigation would be.”
The lawsuit would be aimed at Ms. Ljuba and Allen associates for the losses during the time they sold insurance for AmeriHealth, said Jeff Hewitson, board president.
After discussing the potential lawsuit, the board approved a $213,500 contact with Falasca Mechanical Inc. to improve their facilities, beginning with Hamilton High School West’s plumbing.
These funds will be used to repair plumbing at the school, which has become a problem in their locker rooms.
”It’s the oldest high school in the district. We’re just happy to see that they’re fixing everything up,” said Tom Hoglen, the school’s football coach. “The kids are getting a brand new locker room, and they’re excited about that.”
The current contract also covers replacement of the old water main at the high school, responsible for past flooding.
”We need to get this worked out before August, when the students have to use the locker rooms and team room,” said Superintendent James Parla.
The board of education will assess and approve more contacts for school improvements at next weeks meeting.

