'School of No'

Does the name Marcella Sills sound familiar? Probably not - but Sills has gained notoriety after being exposed for her appalling practices as principal at the dilapidated Public School 106 in Queens, N.Y.

The infamous principal of the "School of No"- aptly named by the New York Post because the school has no textbooks or basic school supplies - boasts a $128,207 salary, including overtime, while the school's 234 students are forced to learn in dreadful conditions, including trailers that reek of animal urine and desks that are too small.

"I see a lot of bugs here. There's always dirt everywhere. Sometimes I find an ant on the floor when I'm eating my food in the cafeteria," said Shantazia Williams, a fifth grade student at PS 106.

Despite constant letters of complaint and pleas to ax Sills as principal, she has reigned at PS 106 for nine years.

There are no gym or art classes at the school - the students watch movies nearly every day.

"It was so many movies, I can't remember which day I watched what," Williams said.

All of these discrepancies are prevalent at New York City's worst school, despite PS 106 receiving $3.3 million dollars for the 2013-14 school year, with more than $160,000 in federal Title I funds. When the New York Post got wind of Sills' careless behavior, the paper began publishing a series of exposés, probing the question: Where did the money go?

The answer is simple - the money went to Sills.

While the "School of No" remains decrepit - the library falling apart, rusty air-conditioning units in classrooms - Sills' office is elegantly furnished and she drives a shiny red BMW X3, valued at $40,000.

Former teacher at PS 106, Patricia Walsh, described Sills' office as a "presidential suite," including a mahogany conference table, cushioned chairs and expensive drapes. Sills' office also has a brand new air-conditioning unit.

If you're still unsure about Sills' malevolence, take into consideration the fact that she has absolutely no empathy for her students, the majority of which live below poverty level.

Sills throws an annual end-of-year prom with a ticket price of $200 for fifth-grade students. As if that isn't bizarre enough, each student who attends must rent pre-approved bridal and groom attire.

According to the New York Post, Sills never shows up to work before 11 a.m., usually neglecting to leave home until 3 p.m. In Sills' absence, the school is run by the assistant principal, while Sills continues to collect her salary.

The Education Department administered an investigation into the "School of No," Jan. 14, with Sills showing up to work - early for once - decked out in a mini skirt, knee-high boots and an expensive fur coat.

In weeks prior to the investigation, Sills attempted to cover her tracks, buying books and administering a bizarre art class.

Upon conclusion of the investigation, Sills was notified that the department will be keeping a close eye on her.

Luckily, the investigation seems to have lit a fire under Sills. Students received a truckload of new textbooks Jan. 15, followed by furniture and new classrooms for kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students - the children were previously taught in a section of the auditorium.

If I were Sills, I would resign before things heat up even more, but who am I to give an opinion? I'm just a fly on the wall, minding my own business.