It is hard to believe that there are lowlifes out there such as these! Safeguards are the only real defense against this type of situtation. Frankly, no one should be insulted that they (any treasurer or moneyhandler)should have to account on a monthly basis or more for all funds belonging to a group. There should be someone(besides the treasurer)checking the monthly statements against the books and a detailed treasurer report. I realize some of you out there do not have a monthly meeting where a treasurer report is given. We have the monthly meeting and that is a good reason to have one - the treasurer report!
Metzy- You did the right thing! I only wish I had half your courage and strength to stand your ground and do whats right. Its all to easy to fold and give in. Been there done that! Wish I hadn't but I also didn't have anyone standing up with me.
I also think you did a great job in a difficult situation.
Really, when you got involved in PTO, was this type of activity on any task list you ever imagined? I'm sure "pursue embezzlers" was right there in the job description. Let's see, it was probably right after "bake sales" and just before "school T-shirts".
But you stuck it out, persevered, and got $20K back for your school. Many, many schools in this situation get nothing returned.
And as awful as this was, it's "only money". I know it was breaking of trust, too - which is actually worse. But think about some of the horrible things that have been in the news lately regarding kids/schools. We have a lot to be thankful for.
Put safeguards in place, put it behind you, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
P.S. As much as I wouldn't want to let someone off the hook, "$50 a month for X years" would be its own nightmare. Can you imagine re-hashing this every year for 10 or 15 years as the new board is acquainted details of the "income"? It would be a festering wound that would never heal. Be glad you can close this chapter.
Metzy I dont think you sold out...the police will finish their job. I think it's great and very fortunate that you are able to get back that kind of money in one shot. Think of what your group can do with it compared to $50.00 a month. You did what you had to do and what will help your school the most. Alot of times these people get nothing more than a slap on the wrist.. not what they deserve. If you think someone else is in on it I would make sure they are NEVER around money!!!
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
Okay. Here's what went down: We could only prove so much, and it wasn't any where near what she took. She destroyed records, didn't keep records, etc. and that made it impossible to put a number on how much she took. We averaged the last known three years and came up with a total (which put it way under what we know was made over the last two years). We called her family with the total and they said they'd get back with us. Meanwhile, she goes to the police to explain her side. The police get her to admit to just under 20K. That is actually more than we could prove. We called back and have accepted that amount, to be paid on or before Monday afternoon. We will not 'not' press charges as we feel strongly that this should be on her record. She has admitted to stealing the money and will have to face that music. Meanwhile, unless she admits that someone else was in on it, no one else will be held responsible. The way we figure it, investigating is the job of the police. Our job is to recover as much money as we can. We will recover only a portion, but more than we can actually prove. The money will go a long way to purchase items that the last two boards would not approve.
Still, it seems like we sold out. But then again, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. 20K all at once is better than $50 a month for a lifetime.
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