This is such a tricky issue, and that's why embezzlement will be our next cover story.
I'm with the folks who say: 1) stay!; and 2) get the authorities involved. There may be no crime, there may be a worse crime than you've uncovered -- but you're not an investigator and you're not judge and jury. Nor do you have to be.
Those funds were raised to make your school great and to make school special for your kids. If there's been theft, then it's the theft of a kids' playground or a kids' only chance to see Shakespeare or the theft of a School Fair. It's the worst kind of theft.
Stealing is stealing. It is a very black and white issue. We aren't talking mistake territory here. "Thousands of dollars" is quite possibly Grand Theft. You could ask for restitution from the parent (like that's gonna happen...lol). You could call the police and let them handle it (that is what they do...lol). You could call the IRS and turn them in (unless you think they added the stolen funds to the space labeled Additional Income on their income tax forms...lol). You could tell the school that they need to stand on one side of the fence or the other (sounds to me like they are straddling the fence by telling you they can't help but to keep it quiet anyway - they can't have it both ways). The one thing you cannot do is quit. That just shows other parents that they can get away with theft. It shows the school that you yourself can be backed down when the going gets tough (this may or may not be true, but you certainly don't want them to think that in any case). It shows the very people that you are working to protect and educate (yes, the children) that crime CAN pay, that it is easier to do nothing, that sticking up for what you believe in is good unless it involves a hard and difficult decision.
I just asked my husband - he says Go To The District Attorney. They are stealing from CHILDREN ! Do the right thing, no matter how difficult. He also said that my post looks a bit harsh. I think it is honest. I hope you find it to be both.
Good Luck,
Elizabeth
Don't Resign. There was a problem in our district with a school. That PTO board went to the D.A., and charges were filed against that parent. I felt sorry for the child we are talking high school drill team. It was all over the news, local papers. Don't these parents know that they are going to get caught sooner or later. Remedy, the problem now. If not it's going to land on someone else's lap. It's true that PTO is a seperate entity from the school so you must follow the law. The district people cannot give you any advice except for the power to resolve your unit and you don't want that to happen.
I agree... Do Not Resign. I know that is easier said than done. I am the President this year and I took the position because I too saw things I didn't think were kosher. I have a parent that dislikes me ALOT. I am not exactly sure why but everybody can't be your friend. Many of the problems we have had with this woman and her friends were also pushed under the carpet by the school principal and when I brought them to the District, the Superintendent told me he knew nothing and also, did nothing. You need to go to the DA. You are a non-profit organization and therefore if someone is stealing they are stealing the "non" profits. If you have a good board standing behind you, you'll be fine. This year will be rough but you and your PTO will be the better for it.
Good Luck! and knowthat you are not alone. This stuff happens all over!
My goodness!!! The more time I spend on here, the more I see that there are many groups out there that are having the same problem as I am. My first suggestion is DON'T RESIGN!! You will eventually make it over this hurdle. Our district informed us that they cannot get into PTO affairs as well for the exact same reason they gave you. Now I have a few questions. Do you have written proof that this has happened? Contact your bank's attorney and discuss this with them. The district may want you to keep quiet, but DON'T! It may tarnish your reputation for a few years (pto's not yours) but you need to let this woman, and all future presidents and treasurer's know that this is not tolerated. I wish you the best of luck!! Email me anytime you want to gripe.
First,how did you find this all out? Was there a (team) audit done? Why dont you all have a meeting with her and the treasurer, saying "you have questions about the books, there seem to be some minor discrepancies" Don't accuse her, otherwise she may run. Just ask her to help you understand some stuff. Did she forget receipts? Once it seems clear that what she did was deliberate and probably criminal, I would go to the D.A. She is depriving your children of these funds--remember that! She needs to pay the consequences.
