Linda Wilson: The Controversy Surrounding the Queens Regional Manager of NYC Department of Education
The case of Linda Wilson, a former Queens supervisor at the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE), has garnered significant attention after allegations surfaced that she and several colleagues misused funds intended for homeless students. These funds were meant to support educational field trips for disadvantaged students but were reportedly diverted to cover the costs of personal trips for DOE employees and their families.
The Allegations: Misuse of Public Funds
From 2016 to 2019, Linda M. Wilson, along with five other DOE staffers, allegedly forged permission slips to take their children and family members on trips funded by the department. These trips, including a high-profile visit to Disney World, were meant to provide enriching experiences for homeless students. Instead, the staff reportedly used spots meant for the students to accommodate their own children.
The trips in question cost the DOE $66,000, with approximately 50 adults and children benefiting from the trip to Disney World. Additional trips to Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Boston, and Frost Valley YMCA were also part of the misuse, according to an investigation by the Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) for city schools.
Linda Wilson’s Role and Actions
Linda Wilson, who was responsible for supervising the Students in Temporary Housing (STH) program, is alleged to have not only taken her own two daughters on these trips but also to have encouraged other staff members to do the same. Employees, including Shaquieta Boyd, reported that Wilson not only gave permission for family members to join but actively encouraged it.
When the SCI investigation began, Wilson allegedly tried to cover up the scheme, telling staff to “stick to the same story” and deny the presence of their children on the trips. One employee stated that Wilson said, “What happens here stays with us,” signaling an attempt to keep the misuse of funds secret.
Impact on Homeless Students
While some homeless students did attend the trips, their spots were often replaced with family members of the staff. This led to significant criticism, as students in need were denied the opportunity to benefit from the program. One DOE educator had to beg Wilson to allow two homeless students to join a Disney World trip, while family members filled spots intended for those very students. This clear misuse of funds shocked many, especially considering that in 2023, 119,320 students in NYC were experiencing homelessness, according to Advocates for Children of New York.
Investigation Findings and Cover-Up Attempts
The SCI report revealed that staff members used forged permission slips and falsely signed parental consent forms to disguise the involvement of their family members. The trips, funded by a $300,000 federal grant from the National Center for Homeless Education, were meant to reward homeless students for improving their academic attendance, but the misuse of this funding robbed those students of vital opportunities.
One specific trip to Syracuse University in 2018, which was meant to expose students to potential college campuses, was largely deemed a waste of resources. Instead of visiting the university as planned, the group reportedly spent the majority of the trip at Niagara Falls, far removed from their educational objective.
Aftermath: Repercussions and Accountability
The fallout from the scandal led to the termination of several employees, including Shaquieta Boyd, who was fired for her involvement. Other staffers, including Mishawn Jack, who took her daughters on trips to see Broadway shows and visit Washington, D.C.,** were forced to pay fines. In one case, Mishawn Jack agreed to pay a $1,200 fine after admitting to taking her children on these trips. Despite this, Wilson remained defiant, calling the investigation a “witch hunt” and insisting that the DOE’s internal checks and balances should have prevented such abuses.
Conclusion: A Damning Legacy
The scandal surrounding Linda Wilson and other DOE staff members highlights serious issues of accountability within the NYC Department of Education. While the misuse of funds intended for homeless students is deeply troubling, it also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in public service. The case will likely continue to serve as a cautionary tale for how oversight and accountability can be compromised if proper systems are not in place.
Wilson’s legacy as a manager at the NYC DOE will forever be linked to this controversy, and though she denies the allegations, the public scrutiny is undeniable. As investigations into the misuse of federal funds continue, New Yorkers and education advocates alike are calling for greater reform and stricter oversight of public education funds.
