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Resident says he did not accuse board of 'misappropriation'; board member calls reports a misunderstanding
Summary
Public commenter Justin Finchem told the board he did not use the word 'misappropriation' and described his concerns as about moving or mismanaging funds; a board member later told the meeting that the suggestion of wrongdoing was a misunderstanding and urged residents to contact administrators for facts.
During public comment at the Sept. 16 Brooklyn City School District board meeting, resident Justin Finchem addressed reports that he had accused the board of misappropriating funds.
"I've never said this appropriate fund. I never would say that," Finchem said, clarifying he meant "moving money" and described his view as mismanagement rather than criminal misappropriation. He repeated praise for the district’s state report card and urged the board not to "tinker" with successful elements of the schools.
Later in the meeting a board member returned to the issue and said a misunderstanding had occurred. "He said that he did not say that, and it was a misconstrued statement," the board member said, urging residents with questions to contact Dr. Claris or Treasurer Shearhart for accurate information and adding, "there's no wrongdoing." The board member also noted several board members are running for re‑election and expressed confidence in the team.
The exchange closed without formal allegation or evidence presented in the meeting record. Board leaders encouraged members of the public to seek factual clarification directly from district officials.
What happens next: no formal inquiry or motion was announced; the board encouraged direct queries to the superintendent or treasurer for factual information.
