In a recession, anything is possible!

There's no proof of a theft.

Without the treasurer counting and signing for the money all that's there is what some people say is there.

LeadingtheWay;146889 wrote: I think it's pretty clear myself.

You, as president allowed her to take money without signing for it, giving you a receipt or following proper money handling procedures.

I was treasurer for two year and I'd have never left with money that two people didn't count and sign for and I'd never leave with it without counting it myself and giving them a receipt.

If she didn't count and sign, acknowledging receipt, there's no evidence that she was given any amount of money and you have to accept whatever she now says she has.

If anyone's at fault here, it's the people who let her leave without counting in front of another officer and giving you a receipt.

I'd chaulk it up to lesson learned.

Next time someone wants to leave without a proper count, you say, "Ok, but we're saying there is $17,000 there. If you want to give me a receipt for it without counting, you'll be responsible if it's not all there."

I'd say that's overly simplistic and overly harsh.

The ultimate responsibility -- if there was a theft -- is with the thief. Let's not look past that.

Might the leaders' misuse of or lack of controls have contributed or made the theft easier? Yes. But that's a big difference. If I leave my front door unlocked and my house gets robbed, I certainly consider the thief one thousand times more responsible than me.

For the record, I believe following up on a theft -- even to authorities -- is the right way to go. But I also believe that can be done responsibly and professionally and with thought towards your school community. In my experience, brushing it under the rug leads to the worst results in the long run.

I think it's pretty clear myself.

You, as president allowed her to take money without signing for it, giving you a receipt or following proper money handling procedures.

I was treasurer for two year and I'd have never left with money that two people didn't count and sign for and I'd never leave with it without counting it myself and giving them a receipt.

If she didn't count and sign, acknowledging receipt, there's no evidence that she was given any amount of money and you have to accept whatever she now says she has.

If anyone's at fault here, it's the people who let her leave without counting in front of another officer and giving you a receipt.

I'd chaulk it up to lesson learned.

Next time someone wants to leave without a proper count, you say, "Ok, but we're saying there is $17,000 there. If you want to give me a receipt for it without counting, you'll be responsible if it's not all there."

Can an outside arbitrator be used?

ditto to Jewel. I would have a terrible time supporting an organization that I knew would allow 1300 dollars to walk out the door and do nothing about it. If everyone is so concerned about the "image" of the school, let those folks come together and make up the theft through a donation.

The only benefit this type of incident holds is for those of us who follow these boards, make sure your fiscal policies are as tight as you possibly can. At least something good can come of this.
d