Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg probably expected not all of the $148 million he gave Newark’s public schools would be spent wisely.

But he couldn’t have predicted that political hacks would get one-third of the first $13 million spent!

The Newark Star-Ledger reports that consultants and contractors associated with Democratic Mayor Corey Booker and Education Commissioner Chris Cerf pocketed $4.3 million this year, from the initial $13 million installment.

That’s money Zuckerberg (and Newark parents) hoped would fund technology upgrades and other educational improvements when he gave the gift last year.

The largest recipient? Global Education Advisors, a consulting company founded by (drum roll please) state education chief Chris Cerf.

The second largest recipient? Tusk Strategies, a New York City political consulting firm.

Bad enough that the Foundation for Newark’s Future, which is doling out the Zuckerberg gift, is greasing the palms of consultants. But it’s even paying them before putting the money where it belongs – in the classroom.

Ah well. Guess that’s the price of doing business in New Jersey, AKA “The Soprano State.”

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Tags: chris cerf, corey booker, Democrats, Facebook, facebook tech gift, foundation for newarks future, mark zuckerberg, new jersey, newark, political corruption, soprano state, tech funding