Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) disclosed that it has recovered more than half of the $450,000 taken in a recent bank‑impersonation scam. The district is still working to retrieve the remaining $195,000 and has taken steps to tighten financial controls.
What happened
According to MPS officials, the fraud was discovered on a Monday when the district received a fraudulent request that appeared to come from a legitimate banking institution. The request resulted in the transfer of $450,000 to an account controlled by the scammers.
Recovery effort
District officials said that, through cooperation with law‑enforcement and the bank involved, more than $225,000 has already been returned to MPS. The superintendent, Brenda Cassellius, emphasized that the recovery effort is ongoing and that the district remains committed to securing the remaining funds.
Leadership change
In response to the incident, the district appointed Deputy CFO Jennifer Buros as acting chief financial officer on Tuesday. Buros will oversee the financial investigation and the implementation of new safeguards.
CFO status
When asked about the whereabouts of the former CFO, Aycha Sawa, Cassellius said, “I don’t know where she is right now. She is still with the district. We are finishing our investigation, and then we will make determinations.” The superintendent added that Sawa is currently not on district premises while the review proceeds.
Personnel file findings
FOX6 News obtained Sawa’s personnel file, which shows that the superintendent issued a notice of concern to her last year. MPS confirmed that Sawa remains employed, though she has not responded to media inquiries.
Next steps and new controls
Cassellius promised transparency once the investigation concludes, stating, “We will make sure that we are transparent in that process and give everybody information about the investigation, what we found and what new controls we are putting in place.” The district plans to review its financial procedures, enhance verification protocols for banking requests, and provide additional training for staff handling monetary transactions.
Community impact
The scam underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting public funds, especially in an era where sophisticated fraud schemes target schools and other public entities. Parents and community members have been urged to stay informed about the district’s efforts to safeguard taxpayer dollars.
Background on MPS financial oversight
Aycha Sawa was hired as CFO in September 2024 to address prior money‑mismanagement concerns. Her tenure has been marked by a focus on fiscal responsibility, and the district’s swift response to the recent fraud reflects that ongoing commitment.
As the investigation continues, MPS officials encourage anyone with information about the scam to contact the district’s finance office or local law‑enforcement.
Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.
