Hailey also admitted trying to steal more than $25,000 by billing the school district for extra wages for 14 members of the H.B. Wilson Elementary School Leadership Council for eight meetings that were never held.
Two other defendants previously pleaded guilty in the scheme. The case of a third is pending.
The state is recommending a term of three to five years in prison for Hailey at his sentencing, which is scheduled for Feb. 6.