An investigation has revealed that six New York City Department of Education (DOE) employees misused funds intended for educational trips for homeless students. The Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) report details how these funds were used to finance family vacations.
The employees allegedly spent money meant for student trips on personal vacations to destinations such as Disney World and Washington, D.C. Linda Wilson, a DOE region manager, is prominently involved in the scandal. She is accused of using city funds to take her daughters on trips and advising her colleagues to do the same.
Wilson reportedly forged permission slips to allow family members on trips intended for students. A significant example includes a planned visit to Syracuse University in 2018, which was changed to a trip to Niagara Falls. Syracuse University confirmed that no tour occurred.
The investigation found that Wilson was aware of the probe and responded by canceling another planned trip to Philadelphia. She instructed her colleagues to lie to investigators, saying, “What happens here stays with us.”
Other employees implicated in the scandal are Program Manager Shaquieta Boyd, Family Assistants Joanne Castro, Mishawn Jack, Virgen Ramos, and Community Coordinator Maria Sylvester. The SCI concluded its investigation in January 2023, recommending the dismissal of all involved and restitution of the funds. However, no criminal charges were filed due to insufficient evidence.
This incident highlights a serious issue of corruption and misuse of educational funds, which undermines public trust in the management of taxpayer money.
