Wyandanch speakers defend Kappa League as board orders financial review; president says program not in jeopardy

Dozens of students, parents and alumni told the Wyandanch Union Free School District Board on Monday that the Kappa League mentoring program has “saved lives” and should continue while the district completes an independent review of how donations and club funds are handled.

Board President James Crawford read a prepared statement saying the district’s inquiry is about bookkeeping and process, not the students or mentorship itself. “The program itself is not in jeopardy,” Crawford said, adding he would meet with chapter and Kappa leaders to align procedures and “ensure that the students are protected.”

The public comment period stretched for more than an hour as current and former program members described college trips, leadership training and personal supports. “This mentorship program became my lifeline,” said Devin Braswell, a senior and program participant, recounting how a mentor helped him through grief and connected him with college visits and travel opportunities.

Several speakers questioned who controls money donated in the program’s name. District counsel (Mister Chase) and board members said donations accepted by the district become public funds subject to state rules and annual review. “All funds that come into the school district are under the control of the Board of Education,” counsel said, adding that the district is conducting an annual outside review and that no determination of misspending has yet been made.

Jason Raichberg, who identified himself as president of the Nassau–Suffolk alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, said Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. retains responsibility for Kappa League activities and requested better lines of communication with the district’s administration. “We stand ready to assist, help, and mentor,” he said.

Not all remarks were supportive. Sharon Baker — who identified herself as the daughter of trustee Shirley Baker — accused another trustee of repeated harassment and called for accountability. The board maintained time limits for public remarks and said it would make staff available after the meeting to answer as many questions as legally possible.

What happens next: the board said it would sit down with Kappa League leadership, the district’s business office and legal counsel to clarify controls and reporting. Trustees stressed they are seeking to protect students and comply with state regulations while allowing mentorship activities to continue where feasible.

The public comment period was extended by board motion during the meeting to accommodate additional speakers.