SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Six current and former San Francisco school district employees have pleaded not guilty to charges that they embezzled $15 million in grant money from the school system.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the six women entered the pleas on Tuesday during their first court appearance.

Prosecutors say they diverted federal and state grant money into hidden slush fund accounts. Nearly $750,000 was allegedly used for personal expenses and unauthorized salaries and bonuses. Prosecutors say much of the remainder went toward educational purposes, but not for what was specifically intended.

The defendants are Trish Bascom, Linda Lovelace, Meyla Ruwin, Lilian Capuli, Mychel Navales, and Betty Wong. Bascom was an associate superintendent. The other women were part of her management team