Audit Alleges Principal Spent Student Funds on Steak, Booze and Jet Skis

Money set aside to mentor students at a 🏝️Long island high school was allegedly used very differently than intended, according to a newly released audit that paints a troubling picture of lax oversight and questionable spending.

An investigation into finances at Wyandanch Memorial High School found that longtime principal 👤Paul Sibblies repeatedly reimbursed himself from a student club account to cover personal expenses, including upscale meals, alcohol-fueled staff gatherings, and recreational activities, according to the New York Post.

The audit was conducted by the school district along with Island-based accounting firm R.S. Abrams & Co. and made public last week.

“This lack of additional outside oversight raises significant concerns regarding financial accountability and internal controls,” the auditors wrote.

The funds came from the school’s Kappa Club account, which was intended to support a youth mentoring program by paying for student activities, trips and after-school programming. Instead, auditors said, thousands of dollars were routed back to Sibblies through reimbursements he approved himself.

Among the expenses flagged were events described as “End of Year Party” and “Staff Faculty Party,” which were held at restaurants and included open bars. Other charges raised further questions, including an entry for “Jet Ski Rental — Bermuda Trip” and another labeled “EOY Academic Success,” which auditors said covered a steak-and-lobster dinner for two in Delaware that also included alcohol.