New report identifies $2 million in fraud, widespread corruption in NYC public schools

"SCI plays a vital role in protecting students and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. Our investigators, intake staff, attorney and support personnel work every day to root out corruption, expose fraud and ensure accountability in the nation's largest school system, and when wrongdoing occurs, whether financial misconduct or inappropriate conduct involving students, we investigate it thoroughly and will not allow it to go unchecked."

"The report revealed that last year, SCI received nearly 12,000 complaints of fraud, criminal activity, financial misconduct and abuse concerning the city's Department of Education. The office initiated 471 investigations, closing 393, and ultimately substantiated wrongdoing in over 150 cases involving hundreds of individuals or entities."

"SCI conducted 157 investigations involving allegations of inappropriate or sexual misconduct and substantiated allegations in 62 cases. The report showed that 23 cases involved DOE personnel initiating or maintaining inappropriate relationships with students via personal cellphones or social media."

The Special Commissioner of Investigation for the NYC School District released its 2025 annual report documenting corruption, fraud, and misconduct within the nation's largest public school system. The office received nearly 12,000 complaints and initiated 471 investigations, closing 393 of them. Substantiated wrongdoing involved hundreds of individuals and entities, with identified financial losses reaching nearly $2 million—double the 2024 recovery amount. Investigations focused on employee misconduct, theft, and inappropriate relationships. SCI conducted 157 investigations into inappropriate or sexual misconduct allegations, substantiating 62 cases. Notable cases included teachers and paraprofessionals engaging in grooming and inappropriate communications with students through personal devices and social media.

Read at www.amny.com