The Medford Paraprofessional Union, which serves the educational support staff in Medford, Massachusetts, finds itself amidst financial turmoil as allegations of embezzlement surface against its longstanding president, Gina Coppola. According to NBC10 Boston, a police report highlighted suspicions that led to an audit, which then revealed a potential shortfall of $50,000 from the union's coffers.
Union membership, which comprises tutors and support staff, raised alarms after the union's tax-exempt status was revoked due to discrepancies; they've been pressing for answers to no avail, and with the recent audit findings, their concerns have intensified, especially as many claimed they repeatedly asked for financial statements. "We ask many times for statements and for answers, and we don't get them, so maybe now we'll be able to get them if police are involved," said union member Heidi Alarcon in an interview obtained by NBC10 Boston.
As the president for more than two decades, Coppola is now at the center of these allegations, but she maintains her innocence. "I have nothing to hide," Coppola told NBC10 Boston, citing that the questioned expenses were for legitimate union activities like phone bills, gas, and time spent on boards and for contract negotiations; however, she now faces the arduous task of substantiating those claims without the minutes of prior meetings, which she asserts will prove her innocence yet remain missing.
Coppola's assertions of proper accounting faced further scrutiny when police disclosed that there were checks written to herself and board members without proper documentation, "We’re very concerned and confused," said instructional tutor Rosemary Saeed, reflecting a sentiment mirrored throughout the union regarding the transparency of their leadership, as per a statement given to Boston 25 News; the issue is compounded by the fact that the former treasurer, responsible for record-keeping, has passed away, leaving a vacuum and a trail of paperwork that Coppola claims is simply hard to locate.
The investigation is ongoing, but no charges have been filed, leaving the union in uncertainty over the financial issues. "You know it’s not only me that wants answers. It’s all of us," Alarcon told Boston 25 News, echoing the frustration of dues-paying members who are concerned about the handling of their contributions.
