Two Florida teachers union officials are accused of embezzling about $50,000

 Two Florida teachers union officials are accused of embezzling about $50,000 from the United Teachers of Suwannee County.

Police believe union treasurer Roshonda Herring, 38, illegally wrote 109 checks totaling $38,000 to herself, and about $12,000 in checks to former union president Sheryl Daniels, 56, between January 2008 and May 2013, WDCTV6 reports.

The women turned themselves in to the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office Friday, according to the news report.

“It’s taking away from our children and it’s just not good,” parent Tonya Poulton told the television station.

We agree. It’s not good, and these women should be held accountable for their misdeeds, if they are convicted in a court of law. The worst part, however, is that they are teachers as well as union leaders, which means they are undoubtedly role models for many children.

What a horrible example to set for students.

The alleged embezzlement comes on the heels of several similar stories that were reported around the nation in recent weeks. Financial corruption is starting to appear to be a common problem for teachers unions.

These stories illustrate how the union power structure breeds corruption. Union officials typically face little scrutiny from their members regarding the use of union funds. There also seems to be a lack of internal accounting procedures. That certainly seems to be the case in Suwanne County, where the alleged thefts went on for more than five years without anyone noticing.

Teachers union members should demand better. They should demand that their leaders implement a more transparent financial system, and demand they conduct themselves like professional educators instead of two-bit thieves.