After a number of high-profile thefts of money from parent-teacher organizations last school year, four Toledo Public Schools employees decided to help the groups protect themselves.
"Parents groups are not run by the district. They are entities within our schools," said Tammy Avila, one of the four parent coordinators who work for the school district. "These groups need to protect themselves against things like theft."
The four are nearly done creating a 75-page guide they said will offer ways to cut risks.
Several parent groups in the Toledo area were hit by thefts last school year and in recent years. In every case, the culprits were parents or teachers who volunteered their time.
The treasurer of Blissfield Elementary School's PTO was convicted last year of embezzling more than $18,000 from the organization.
"There's nothing like getting burned to make you get smart and figure out what needs to be done," Blissfield PTO President Anne Lycans said at the end of last school year.
In June, the former treasurer of the Waite High School band boosters was charged with grand theft and forgery after being accused of taking more than $12,000 from the group.
A Perrysburg woman was convicted of stealing $31,000 from both the Bowling Green State University alumni association, where she was employed, and $31,000 from Rossford's Glenwood Elementary School PTO, of which she was president.
A Walbridge man was accused of taking more than $5,000 from the Eastwood Youth Soccer Association.
At Hawkins Elementary PTO in West Toledo, the former treasurer was convicted of stealing $25,822 in 2004. That group later implemented some changes, including annual audits and bonding insurance.
Tiffany Yglesias, also a Toledo Public Schools parent coordinator, said the book is a guide on how to run a PTO with tips on how to cut risks.
"A lot of times you get new people in offices every year and sometimes they don't know what to do," Ms. Yglesias said. "It includes things like bonding, insurance, and how to protect bank accounts."
There will be 250 copies printed and paid for with donated money. Ms. Yglesias said the books are for the district's parent groups but could possibly be sold to schools in the districts.
The guide advises the parent groups to:
•Make sure there are two sets of eyes on all the money.
•Encourage parents and other supporters to write checks rather than pay cash and never allow anyone to take cash home.
•Always require two signatures on checks and be sure a bank is aware of the policy.
•Have bylaws that include all of the necessary procedures for handling money and make sure officers and members read and follow those bylaws.
•Get bonding insurance to cover any losses from theft.
Contact Ignazio Messina at:
imessina@theblade.com
or 419-724-6171.
First Published August 12, 2006, 10:43 a.m.
