I just found out that xW applied for “low income status” at our school and received an 80% tuition break. While I stand to benefit from this, I know her income and she does not qualify for “low income” according to our state’s poverty guidelines and the State Department of Education. She has falsified her income (i.e. lied) in the past for financial gain, but this is the first time I have seen this behavior on a state form and the first time that I benefit from it. I am having an ethical crisis because she is causing financial harm to the school and to the state, and it is fraud or a felony. Since I benefit from it, I feel I am complicit. However, blowing the whistle on her could affect my children and my finances (increased tuition).
I am paying her a lot of support money and she does not use any of it. Does anyone have any idea how to deal with this behavior??? I am trying to take the high road. I still have a lot of anger towards her, especially when she pulls stunts like this.
