Sun Sep 15 14:49:09 UTC 2024: ## NYC Education Officials Allegedly Used Funds for Homeless Students on Family Trips
**New York City** – A regional manager and five other employees of the NYC Department of Education’s Queens Students in Temporary Housing program allegedly misused city funds intended for homeless students by taking their own families on trips to destinations like Disney World, Washington D.C., and Niagara Falls.
According to a report by the Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) for New York City schools, these employees, including Regional Manager Linda Wilson, allegedly used forged permission slips in the names of students to secure funding for trips that were actually for their own families.
The report alleges that Wilson, on multiple occasions, scheduled trips under the guise of college visits, but then took the students to other destinations. In one instance, she allegedly took students to Syracuse University but never toured the school, instead choosing to visit Niagara Falls.
Wilson allegedly encouraged colleagues to bring their families on these trips, claiming that reimbursement would be provided. This, however, violated DOE rules that prohibit employees from bringing family members on trips even with reimbursement.
The SCI investigation, completed in January 2023, recommends that all six employees be terminated and that they pay restitution to the DOE. While criminal prosecution was not pursued due to insufficient documentation, the investigation paints a picture of blatant misuse of funds intended to benefit disadvantaged students.
“The alleged actions of these employees are truly appalling,” said a spokesperson for the SCI. “They stole opportunities from children who desperately need support and resources. We will continue to pursue justice in this matter.”
The accused employees include Program Manager Shaquieta Boyd, Family Assistant Joanne Castro, Family Assistant Mishawn Jack, Family Assistant Virgen Ramos, and Community Coordinator Maria Sylvester.
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