Audit Reveals Misuse of Student Funds by Long Island Principal
A principal from Long Island has come under scrutiny after an audit exposed that he allegedly misused funds intended for a youth leadership program. Paul Siblees, who has been the principal at Wyandanch Memorial High School for many years, reportedly used thousands of dollars for extravagant steak and lobster dinners, boozy staff gatherings, and jet ski rentals.
The financial investigation found that Siblees repeatedly reimbursed himself for dubious expenses drawn from student club funds. He even signed checks made out to himself, raising eyebrows about the management of those finances.
The audit report, conducted by the accounting firm RS Abrams & Co., noted, “The lack of further external oversight raises serious concerns regarding financial accountability and internal controls.”
It appears that funds were improperly used from the school’s Kappa Club account, designated for after-school activities and trips meant to support educational efforts. Some examples of questionable spending included events described as “year-end parties” and “faculty parties” at local restaurants featuring open bars.
Other listed expenses were perplexing, with categories such as “Jet Ski Rental – Bermuda Trip” and “EOY Academic Success,” including a lavish dinner for two in Delaware. Auditors stated that this spending clearly violated guidelines set forth by the New York State Department of Education regarding extracurricular funds.
Siblees had received more than 40 refunds totaling over $35,500 from various school clubs between July 2021 and November 2024. Despite his longstanding position, these transactions were not formally approved by the school board, as auditors pointed out.
The report revealed uncertainties about employee compensation for the Kappa Club advisor role, which Siblees also held. “We identified questionable expenditures within the Extracurricular Activities Fund that did not appear to be directly related to extracurricular activities,” the auditors stated.
Significantly, Siblees, who also acted as the Kappa League’s faculty advisor, had control over the club’s finances, authorized all spending, and signed checks for reimbursements through the club’s activities fund.
The audit indicated that Siblees regularly issued checks to himself without independent verification, only receiving approval from the club treasurer, who also held the position of executive secretary.
Moreover, the auditors highlighted years of poorly documented donations related to the Kappa club and another middle school club, marking concerns over missing records and unclear explanations surrounding the collection, tracking, and usage of funds.
Although the audit was finalized last February, the findings were only disclosed this week. In November, the school board nearly unanimously decided to hire outside counsel to delve into the financial issues raised in the report. The investigation is currently ongoing.
In a statement, Wyandanch Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright remarked, “The district is continually reviewing its policies and procedures and has begun implementing enhanced fiscal oversight measures.” The statement concluded that, since this is a personnel matter, there would be no further comments from the district.
