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Bronx Principal Accused Of Using School Money To Fund Daughter's 'Sweet 16' Party

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Bronx principal seems to be setting a bad example for her students.

P.S. 31 Principal Liza Cruz Diaz is accused of leaving school at the end of her regular shift but directing her payroll secretary to clock her out several hours later.

"She's getting paid money for work that she didn't do," Schools Special Commissioner of Investigation Richard Condon told 1010 WINS. "The 43 days that we looked at came to about $4,800. We have many other days that we still have not looked at."

Cruz Diaz apparently tried to cover her tracks.

"When she found out we were investigating her about her time, she took her time brackets and removed them from the school," Condon said.

The investigation also revealed Cruz Diaz spent $91 of the school's money to buy "trinkets" for her daughter's Sweet 16 party, Condon said.

Cruz Diaz then apparently asked a staff member to fudge the books to show she had paid back the money.

Condon is recommending that Cruz Diaz be fired and made ineligible for future work with the Department of Education.

Condon has turned over his findings to the Bronx district attorney.

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