Principal allegedly gambled away $10k from student activity funds

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

Bridgeport, CT — A principal of a Connecticut grade school turned herself in to police on Dec. 19 after learning there was a warrant out for her arrest. Marilyn Taylor is suspected of having spent $10,000 of the student activity funds on gambling at the casino.

According to an audit, the 46-year-old Taylor made 24 cash withdrawals from Dunbar Elementary School’s fundraising account. Just a month prior to the first withdrawal, Taylor received the green light to open up the account by the school board.

It appears the bulk of the money was spent at the Mohegan Sun and a casino near Taylor’s home in Mississippi, but there was also money spent at a Johnny Rockets restaurant, a Walmart and a Dunkin’ Donuts.

Taylor, who makes $125,212, a year was brought into Dunbar School for 2013-2014 to help turn it around. According to the arrest warrant, the school’s assistant principal raised a red flag after she discovered that Taylor had been paying vendors by cash instead of checks.

Taylor now faces larceny charges and has been suspended, but she still will be paid depending on the outcome of the criminal case. However, it is safe to say that she won’t be returning.

“Marilyn Taylor will not be returning to work as a principal in Bridgeport. I don’t want to say more at this point,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools Fran Rabinowitz. “I am not saying we are terminating her, but I am not waiting.”

“We’re working diligently to make sure justice is served,” city spokesperson Brett Broesder told Fox CT.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE