Audit reveals $750G compensation for nonprofit's CEO

An audit by the state comptroller's office into the Henry Viscardi School operated by Abilities Inc., the Albertson-based organization that trains the disabled for jobs in manufacturing and technology, is not routine, despite statements to the contrary by Abilities' chief executive Edmund Cortez, according to a law enforcement source.

The audit came to light two weeks ago, when Cortez and comptroller spokeswoman Jennifer Freeman confirmed it. Freeman had said the comptroller's office is examining "school expenses" and declined to comment further. Cortez said the office has been routinely auditing various nonprofit schools, including Viscardi.

But a law enforcement source who asked to remain anonymous said the Viscardi audit is not routine and the comptroller's office is looking at Cortez's compensation package. Cortez, after 16 years on the job, announced his retirement to his staff in January. In 2008 he received a compensation package of about $750,000, including $263,000 in deferred compensation. The school says it serves about 194 students.

The average salary for chief executives of nonprofits in the Northeast in 2009 was $200,000, according to the Web site charitynavigator.org.

In a new statement Cortez said, "The comptroller's office announced that it would audit all schools statewide by 2010. Special schools for children with disabilities are included among the schools that have already been audited. The Henry Viscardi School audit is part of that process."