The results of an election for an open seat on the Hempstead school board have been voided and the district must hold a revote within 60 days, the state education commissioner ruled Thursday after allegations of election fraud were raised by the district, including cast ballots found in a garbage bag.
The ruling from Commissioner Betty A. Rosa comes 10 days after the district’s attorney filed an appeal with the state to challenge the results, and on the same day that Newsday reported on the district’s findings of alleged misconduct.
Rosa’s order did not comment on the district’s allegations.
In a statement emailed by a district spokesman, the board said it “appreciates the Commissioner’s expeditious review of this matter.”
“The Board is committed to ensuring that the revote is conducted fairly, transparently, and in full compliance with all applicable legal requirements,” the statement…
MANAGEMENT & CULTURE (THE “TONE AT THE TOP”)
Fraud thrives in “sloppy” environments where leadership ignores the rules.
- The Fraud Triangle: For fraud to occur, three elements must be present: Pressure (the need for money), Rationalization (thinking “I deserve this”), and Opportunity (weak controls). You can only control the Opportunity.
- Whistleblower Hotline: Provide an anonymous way for staff to report “odd behavior.” Most internal frauds are caught via tips, not audits.
- Background Checks: Conduct credit and criminal record checks for all employees in financial or data-sensitive roles.
- Annual Ethics Training: Make sure every staff member knows that the company has a Zero Tolerance policy toward “borrowing” from petty cash or fudging overtime.