gshultz... I did ask for an audit, but the past pres. says she is going to get this auditor that she uses to do her own personal taxes.. I don't feel right about that. We do not have insurance, which I have suggested at past meetings. Our first meeting is on 9-6-07, I'm going, but just don't have a plan.. I know I need to ask questions and I will.
OneandOnly...According to our bylaws, it states that an audit should be performed on a yearly basis and can be a member, non officer, or a professional auditor not known or related to any officer. I've been very active as a member for the 2006-2007 school year and in that year, there was never an audit performed. The past pres., and newly elected pres. states there was no past records kept by the past treasurer..Can you believe that???? Its making me nuts! I just can't believe it! No. 1...The president should have demanded treasury reports, ledgers..etc. How can I let this drop? I have to do something.
rileysmom...I am amazed too! I asked for an audit, but this auditor is being chosen by the past pres. How convenient, huh? GRRRR! I'm so upset. I'm upset with the system, I'm upset with people who I thought were honest..Its a real mess! Thanks for your advice...
Mommytlc...This is sad, I'm stuck and do not know which way to turn. I know one thing, I WILL NOT fundraise this year at all!
reluctant-co-prez...I know ...This is a felony! You know, I don't want to put this person in the electric chair, because she still has small children in our school, but I think some consequence should be made. I think I'm more upset at our officers that hid all this for 8 months. I just wonder how much more there really isn't being told from all the other years this person has been treasurer. I just wish I knew what to do..
Thanks guys for all your advice. I really appreciate it so much.
You should have a copy of your bylaws. In there, it should have mentioned how often an audit is conducted, when & by whom. As a PTO member, you have every right to ask for proof of the audit being conducted and the findings. As a PTO member, you also have every right to address the shortage and possible restitution of the funds in the account at your next meeting. The board would have to address it and if they do not have documentation at that time, they should have to produce it at the next meeting. The questions would be an official part of the minutes and any open issues be addressed at your 2nd meeting.
Failure for the executive board to address the issue or produce the documents necessary is reason for further action to be taken. That would be up to you--how far are you willing to take this?
You may want to look at your past treasurer's reports to see what the balances were last year and what they are at the start of the new year. If the balance has gone up, you know restitution was made. If not, its more reason of concern. they probably thought that they could trust you to keep it secret and under wraps. So they are most likely figuring out how to handle this now that they underestimated how you would react to the situtation.
The scary thing is that if that is how they were going to handle it, what else could be going on? Without anyone to watch that it doesn't happen again, a repeat instance could occur. Some may have stayed in office just to keep an eye on things.
We had a situation similar to this a few years ago at our school. The treasurer was "borrowing" money from the PTA, to the tune of almost $2500. There was an attempted cover up. We eventually recovered the money but had to endure quite of bit of embarrassment.
You definitely need an audit. Our PTA has an annual audit. Under the rules the active participants in the audit are members who do not have authority to write checks and do not have access to the PTA checking account. Officers with access to the account and check writing authority cannot actively participate in the audit.
Does your group have insurance? Our insurance policy through AIM requires an annual audit, since they as our insurers can demand our audit records at any one time. If you have insurance you likely need to have an audit.
