Around $100,000 appears to be missing from the Guilderland Teachers Association’s funds, but no arrests have been made as police continue to investigate the incident.
GTA President Maceo Dubose filled a report with the Guilderland Police Department on Monday, March 3, claiming money was missing from the union’s funds, according to Charles Tanner, an investigator with the police department. No formal charges have been filed yet. Tanner said on Thursday, March 13, that an arrest would likely be made in “the next couple of weeks.”
“At this point we are still in the fact-gathering phase and looking into some things before we make an arrest,” Tanner said.
Dubose said a union member is believed to have stolen the money and that person “no longer holds a position” in the union. He declined to elaborate further on the incident.
“I can’t share any more information than is out there because I don’t want to inhibit the police from doing their job,” Dubose said.
Guilderland Superintendent of Schools Marie Wiles released a statement on Tuesday, March 11, after media coverage of the incident. Wiles said the person suspected of stealing the funds still works at the district, but has been moved from their position.
“Should criminal charges be filed against this individual in the days and weeks ahead, the district will respond accordingly,” Wiles said in a statement. “In the meantime, the individual has been reassigned to duties that can be completed at the district office.”
The GTA is the largest union in the district, which has around 450 members including teachers, social workers, school counselors, psychologists, nurses and other positions. Those members pay dues to the union.
Wiles stressed the individual being investigated is not accused of stealing any school district funds. She also said the district will not release the suspect’s name to allow for due process.
“This person did not have access to any district monies and was not responsible for any club or organization funds. In addition, the health and safety of our students was never at risk as a result of these accusations,” Wiles said in a statement. “Despite this unexpected development there will be no interruption in the delivery of educational services for (children).”