
Dutchess County District Alerted Of ‘Unaccounted For’ School Money
During an already tense time in the world of education and funding, a message sent to a local school district from the superintendent on Thursday afternoon has the community concerned.
Wappingers Central School District Superintendent Dismayed and Disturbed
An email on Thursday January 29th from Superintendent Dr. Dwight Bonk started with the statement 'I am deeply dismayed and disturbed to inform you...' - a message nobody with children in the school district ever wants to hear.
The message, which was noted as a public statement regarding student activity funds at John Jay High School went on:
I am deeply dismayed and disturbed to inform you that the District was advised that a regular audit of student activity funds at John Jay High School indicated that funds for student organizations and activities during the 2023-2024 school year appears to be unaccounted for.
Dr. Bonk continued, indicating that once the District was made aware of the findings of the audit, an investigation was initiated, and the matter referred to law enforcement 'with regard to the possibility of criminal activity.' Dr. Bonk shared that whoever is responsible for the act will be held accountable, and brought to justice from both a District and criminal perspective.
While the investigation continues, WCSD has been, and will continue to collaborate with the East Fishkill Police Department.

WCSD Superintendent Grateful To Auditors
I am very grateful to the auditors for identifying this discrepancy as the District has taken the steps necessary to ensure that the student funds are protected, activities continue as normal, and that appropriate measures are reviewed, and where necessary, implemented, to ensure the safety and integrity of student monies.
While the district looks to move forward from this incident, they are working to make sure that the funds are restored to the account as soon as possible. Dr. Bonk signed his letter 'with deep regret.'
Student Activity funds are typically used to support extracurricular activities outside the classroom.
Wappingers Central School District, one of the largest in New York, spans 120 square miles in Dutchess County, serving 10,500 students.
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