He said NYSUT serves as an advisor to the local unions, not as an administrator. So although the state federation provides local unions with guidance, Korn said the state's teacher associations write their own constitutions and make their own rules.

"They're autonomous, and participate in self-governance," he said.

Along with offering legal and press services, NYSUT encourages local unions to adopt a variety of financial practices, such as yearly audits — advice Korn said local unions can choose to ignore without fearing punitive action.

When it comes to Widmer's alleged theft, Korn said there are two lessons for the public to remember.

First, he said, that since the misappropriation was discovered, ATA's new leadership has "done everything right" by enacting best-practice policies, such as requiring dual signatures on checks.

Second, Korn said the situation reaffirmed that unions belong to their members — for better and worse.

"In a very real way, everyone has a small degree of culpability for not becoming more involved and asking harder questions," he said.

But the spokesman said he has faith the local union will heal.

"Everyone's hope is that the Auburn Teachers Association will now put in place strong measures to ensure this can never happen again," Korn said. "And I'm confident that they're going to do just that.

ATA bills past due

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the Auburn Teachers Association consistently paid its dues to NYSUT late from 2007-2012.

2007

• $35,940 was 90-180 days past due

2008

• $38,468 was 90-180 days past due

2009

• $21,832 was 90-180 days past due

2010

• $23,476 was 90-180 days past due

• $12,500 was more than 180 days past due

2011

• $13,766 was 90-180 days past due

2012

• $18,339 was 90-180 days past due