Cashing In
A Queens superintendent is slapped with a $5,000 fine for co-owning a company that did more than $1.5 million in business with NYC schools since 2023.
Queens South High School Superintendent Josephine Van Ess should face serious consequences for making money off a company that has collected more than $1.5 million from NYC public schools, education advocates say.
The city Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) on July 24 announced a “settlement” with Van Ess in which she admitted violating rules forbidding any employee to have a financial interest in a firm doing business with the city Department of Education.
Van Ess and her husband, Edward Van Ess, own 50% of Excellence in Every Thread, doing business as The Modern Day Man, which runs workshops for boys. The company has collected $1,533,221 from NYC public schools since 2023, records show.
At the request of former Chancellor David Banks in July 2023, the COIB agreed to let Van Ess keep her financial stake – with permission to solicit and do business at any school citywide except those in Queens’ Districts 27, 28, and 29, which she oversees.
But Van Ess, who makes $241,635 a year as superintendent, admits she violated that limited restriction: “In 2024, Excellence in Every Thread obtained purchase orders totaling $32,525.16 from three DOE schools in Districts 27 and 28,” the COIB found.
She agreed to pay a $5,000 fine, with the COIB taking “no further action” against her.
“This matter has been resolved,” a spokeswoman for the city Department of Education said when asked if Van Ess faces any further discipline.
Several education advocates called for a stronger response than “a slap on the wrist,” as DOE watchdog Leonie Haimson put it.
“Superintendents serve at the pleasure of the mayor. If corruption and self-dealing is sustained, it is because the mayor is comfortable with it,” said Donalda Chumney, a former superintendent of Manhattan’s District 2.
“Mayor Mamdani has an opportunity to lead here, and I hope he takes it.”
Kaliris Salas-Ramirez, a Rutgers University medical school professor and president of Community Education Council 4 in Manhattan, questioned whether the city should let the Van Ess co-owned company continue working in city schools.
“The system needs to do a better job at identifying potential conflicts involving people in power and vendors,” she said. “Fines are important, but the city should also stop or suspend working with a company accused of unethical behavior.”
The Van Ess business deal may erode public confidence, said David Bloomfield, a professor of education leadership, law and policy at Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate Center.
“In the current context of questionable DOE contracting, the mayor and chancellor should be concerned about any appearance of employee fiscal impropriety and the message that sends to students and the general public.”
The DOE would not name the schools that have hired The Modern Day Man, but they include at least 10 in Brownsville’s District 23 — where Van Ess previously served as deputy superintendent.
As I reported in 2024, Van Ess and business partner Ilbert Sanchez, a fashion designer, charged schools $16,000 to lead six weekly sessions for boys meant to build self-esteem, and guide them toward personal and career success.
Optional “add-ons” included $2,500 for field trips and $1,500 for sessions on topics such as substance abuse and financial literacy.
The program included $650 custom-fitted suits tailored by Sanchez in vivid colors like purple and magenta. (See photo below.)
Van Ess did not return an email asking if she would change how Excellence in Every Thread does business in NYC public schools, or her involvement in the company.
When I was chapter leader, a teacher was accused of defrauding the city to the tune of 150 bucks for Teacher’s Choice, saying he spent it at his dad’s store, which turned out to be closed. Last I heard, that teacher was fired. Too bad he didn’t steal more.
Good piece Sue. Who pays for the $650 boy’s suit? The DOE or the family?