No talking out of school

NO TALKING OUT OF SCHOOL

It looks as if the school district may have a stop-snitchin' problem of its own. As in, don't say anything about the internal workings of the district, unless you're ready to lose your job. Some recent examples:

* Six employees were suspended in December after someone blew the whistle about a controversial $7.5 million contract for security cameras.

* The district's general counsel then reportedly sent an e-mail warning that anyone who discloses confidential information about district property or personnel could face dismissal or criminal prosecution.

* After Daily News columnist Phil Goldsmith wrote in July about the high salaries paid to administrators, Superintendent Arlene Ackerman reportedly demanded to know who had access to the information and then locked down computer systems to almost everyone, including the City Controller's Office.

- Staff report