NYC educrats misuse funds for Disney trips with own kids

Between 2016 and 2019, six employees from the NYC Department of Education misappropriated funds intended for trips for homeless students, using forged permission slips to take their own children and grandchildren on these excursions. The trips included visits to Disney World, Washington D.C., and other locations, costing approximately $66,000. Investigators from the Special Commissioner of Investigation for city schools uncovered that while some homeless students participated, the staffers' family members occupied valuable spots meant for these disadvantaged children. Linda M. Wilson, a supervisor in charge of students in temporary housing, was a key figure in this scandal. She not only took her daughters on these trips but also encouraged her colleagues to do the same. When questioned by investigators, Wilson allegedly instructed her staff to lie about the situation. This manipulation of resources meant that some staff members had to plead for spots for their students while staffers' children were prioritized. The investigation led to recommendations for the termination of all involved employees and restitution payments to be determined by the DOE. One employee, Jack, admitted to using slots meant for homeless kids for her daughters and faced a fine, which was reduced due to her financial situation after losing her job. Wilson, however, denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the DOE's checks and balances would have prevented such abuses. Ultimately, the SCI decided against criminal prosecution due to insufficient documentation, leaving the scandal to be addressed internally within the Department of Education. This incident has raised significant concerns about the ethical management of funds intended for vulnerable populations.