Elementary School Director Accused of Stealing Over $100K of Money Meant for After-School Programs, Spending It on Hotels and Liquor

A former director of an after-school programme in Brooklyn has been indicted for allegedly embezzling over £111,000 destined for educational activities. Shalisha Jackson, aged 37, who previously held the position at Brooklyn New School, is facing multiple charges, including second-degree grand larceny, third-degree grand larceny, petit larceny, second-degree forgery, and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Jackson’s purported fraudulent activities took place over a span of six years, during which she reportedly exploited her position of authority to siphon funds intended to enhance the educational support for children under her care. According to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Jackson systematically misappropriated the money from the after-school programme, which raised concerns among local authorities about the potential harm to community welfare.

According to the details released by prosecutors, Jackson’s employment with New York City’s Department of Education began in 2008 as a paraprofessional. She was appointed as the director of the after-school programme at Brooklyn New School in 2016—a role she maintained until 2024. The ease of her fraudulent activities raises questions about oversight within the school system.

Investigators allege that between 2018 and 2024, Jackson wrote a total of 153 cheques from the programme’s payable account to herself, amounting to around £77,000. Moreover, she is accused of depositing approximately 104 additional cheques and Zelle payments—sums that totalled roughly £33,000—from parents and school vendors directly into her personal bank account. This alarming behaviour not only highlights her betrayal of trust but also suggests that funds crucial for nurturing the academic growth of local students were misused.

District Attorney Eric Gonzalez remarked on the case, stating, “For more than six years, this defendant allegedly used her position of trust to systematically steal money meant to support the education and well-being of Brooklyn children.” He assured the public that his office would pursue accountability for those who exploit their positions for personal gain at the expense of community welfare.

Prosecutors further disclosed that Jackson allegedly spent the misappropriated funds on non-educational items, including hotel accommodations, alcohol, and extravagant services from a luxury real estate company. The expenditure of these funds on personal luxuries rather than educational improvements has raised indignation within the local community.

Jackson was formally arraigned on June 22, where she entered a plea of not guilty. Following her arraignment, she was released without having to pay bail. This situation has left many in the community shocked and concerned about how funds intended for vital educational programs could be manipulated without immediate detection.

A hearing for Jackson has been scheduled for August 12, a date that will be closely observed by curious residents and stakeholders invested in the welfare of the local educational system. As the case develops, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of diligent oversight in educational environments, particularly in roles that involve financial management.

The investigation continues, and as further details emerge, the implications of Jackson’s actions on the Brooklyn New School community will likely be scrutinised closely, raising questions about the integrity and responsibility of those in positions of authority.