Linda Wilson NYC Dept of Education Accused of Misusing Funds for Homeless Students’ Trips

​In a disheartening revelation, six employees of the New York City Department of Education (DOE) were implicated in a scheme that misappropriated funds intended for homeless students. Between 2016 and 2019, these individuals allegedly used a $300,000 federal grant to finance personal trips for their own children and grandchildren, including excursions to destinations such as Disney World, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans. This egregious misuse of resources deprived many homeless students of valuable enrichment opportunities designed to enhance their educational experiences.

The Federal Grant and Its Intended Purpose

The DOE received a substantial federal grant from the National Center for Homeless Education, amounting to $300,000. This funding was earmarked to provide enrichment activities and incentives for homeless students to improve attendance and academic performance. Such initiatives are crucial for students facing homelessness, offering them experiences that can inspire and motivate them amidst challenging circumstances. 

The Alleged Misconduct

Linda M. Wilson, a supervisor overseeing the “Students in Temporary Housing” program in Queens, emerged as the central figure in this scandal. She and five subordinates—Program Manager Shaquieta Boyd, Family Assistants Joanne Castro and Mishawn Jack, Family Assistant Virgen Ramos, and Community Coordinator Maria Sylvester—allegedly orchestrated the misuse of funds. They reportedly forged permission slips and falsified parental signatures to facilitate the inclusion of their own family members on trips meant for homeless students. 

Details of the Misused Trips

The misappropriated funds financed several multi-day trips, including the following:

• Disney World, Florida: A trip costing approximately $66,000 for around 50 participants.​
  
• Washington, D.C.: An educational excursion to expose students to the nation’s capital.​
  
• New Orleans, Louisiana: A cultural trip to broaden students’ horizons.​
  
• Upstate New York Resorts: Visits to destinations like the Rocking Horse Ranch Resort and Frost Valley YMCA campground.
  

While some homeless students attended these trips, including staff members’ children, it reduced the number of available spots for the intended beneficiaries. One educator even had to plead with Wilson to allow the participation of two of his students on the Disney World trip, highlighting the extent of the misconduct.

The Cover-Up Attempts

Upon learning about the Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) investigation, Wilson allegedly instructed her colleagues to conceal the truth. She purportedly advised them to deny bringing their children on the trips and to maintain a unified false narrative. This attempt to obstruct the investigation underscores the deliberate nature of the misconduct. ​

Investigative Findings and Recommendations

The SCI’s investigation, concluded in January 2023, uncovered substantial evidence of wrongdoing, including witness statements, photographs, and falsified documents. The report recommended the termination of all six implicated employees and urged the DOE to seek restitution for the misused funds. Despite the gravity of the findings, the SCI did not refer the case for criminal prosecution, citing a lack of available documentation. ​

Reactions and Calls for Accountability

The revelation sparked outrage among education advocates and the public. Leonie Haimson, executive director of Class Size Matters, called for federal criminal charges against the involved employees, emphasizing that their actions constituted a severe breach of trust and misuse of federal funds. She highlighted the apparent forgery and fraud, urging the U.S. Department of Education’s inspector general to investigate further.

DOE’s Response and Current Status

In response to the SCI’s findings, the DOE confirmed that all six employees are no longer with the department, having been terminated, resigned, or retired. However, specific details regarding restitution or further disciplinary actions were not disclosed. Wilson, who retired amidst the investigation, denied the allegations, labeling the probe a “witch hunt” and asserting that her daughters did not participate in the trips.

Broader Implications

This incident sheds light on systemic DOE issues, particularly oversight and accountability. The misuse of funds intended for vulnerable student populations deprives them of essential opportunities and erodes public trust in educational institutions. It underscores the need for stringent monitoring mechanisms to ensure that allocated resources serve their intended purposes.​

Conclusion

The allegations against Linda Wilson NYC Dept of Education and her colleagues represent a profound betrayal of the trust in educators and administrators. Misappropriating funds designated for homeless students to finance personal trips is a grave misconduct that warrants thorough investigation and accountability. As the DOE moves forward, it must implement robust safeguards to prevent such abuses and restore confidence in its commitment to serving all students, especially the most vulnerable.