Full Breakdown
Financial Mismanagement at Wyandanch Memorial High School
2/9/2026, 3:48:10 AM
Principal's Misuse of Student Funds
An audit has revealed significant financial mismanagement by Paul Sibblies, the principal of Wyandanch Memorial High School, who allegedly misappropriated over $35,500 from student club funds intended for a youth mentoring program. The investigation, conducted by the district and the accounting firm R.S. Abrams & Co., highlighted that Sibblies reimbursed himself for questionable expenses, including lavish dinners and recreational activities, without proper oversight. The funds were drawn from the Kappa Club account, which was designated for after-school activities and trips.
The audit detailed various expenditures that raised concerns, such as payments for “End of Year Party” and “Staff Faculty Party” events at local restaurants, which included open bars. Additionally, expenses labeled “Jet Ski Rental — Bermuda Trip” and a steak-and-lobster dinner for two in Delaware were also flagged. These transactions were found to be inconsistent with the New York State Education Department guidelines governing the use of extracurricular activity funds.
Lack of Oversight and Accountability
Sibblies, who has been principal since 2009, was found to have issued more than 40 reimbursements between July 2021 and November 2024. The audit noted that he had the authority to manage the Kappa Club's finances and approve disbursements, allowing him to sign off on checks made out to himself. This lack of independent review raised serious concerns regarding financial accountability within the school district.
The audit also uncovered issues beyond the reimbursements, including poorly documented donations associated with the Kappa Club and another middle-school club. Auditors reported missing records and vague descriptions regarding how funds were collected, tracked, or spent.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
In response to the audit findings, the Wyandanch school board voted to engage outside legal counsel to further investigate the financial irregularities. This decision was made in November, following the audit's completion in February of the previous year, although the report was only made public recently.
Wyandanch Superintendent Dr. Erik Wright stated, “The district is continually reviewing policies and protocols, and we have begun implementing strengthened financial oversight measures.” However, he noted that due to the personnel nature of the matter, the district would not provide further comments.
Criticism and Community Concerns
The financial misconduct has drawn criticism from community members and stakeholders who are concerned about the implications for student programs and the integrity of school leadership. The lack of oversight and the principal's ability to self-approve expenditures have raised alarms about the governance and financial practices within the Wyandanch school district.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the audit presents a clear picture of financial mismanagement, specific details regarding the total amount of funds misappropriated and the exact nature of the ongoing investigation remain unclear. The school district has not disclosed the timeline for the completion of the external investigation or any potential disciplinary actions against Sibblies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This lack of additional outside oversight raises significant concerns regarding financial accountability and internal controls,” — R.S. Abrams & Co. Audit Report
- “We identified questionable expenditures within the extracurricular activity fund that do not appear to be directly related to club activities,” — R.S. Abrams & Co. Audit Report
- “As this is a matter of personnel, the district has no further comment,” — Dr. Erik Wright, Superintendent of Wyandanch School District
