Former Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School Parent Teacher Association official Donna Galloway stole at least $5,534 from her PTA organization from 2014 through 2017, according to a new audit from Tennessee Comptrollers.
“An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in Galloway’s indictment after investigators determined she misappropriated over 96 percent of funds raised by Kingsport community members intended for the elementary school,” according to a Comptrollers’ press release.
The investigation began after PTA board members reviewed PTA checking account records and discovered suspicious transactions. Galloway, who served several terms as president and treasurer for the organization, assumed control over all PTA financial responsibilities with no oversight from other PTA board members, the press release said.
“For three years, Galloway stole from the PTA by keeping fundraising proceeds for herself, making cash withdrawals from the PTA account for her personal use, writing fraudulent personal checks to herself, and using PTA funds to go on at least eight personal Walmart shopping sprees,” according to the press release.
“These Walmart purchases included Easter baskets, cat food, candy, groceries, toiletries, hair products, cough syrup, and other personal items.”
Galloway resigned from the PTA board in December 2017 after new members asked about unexplained financial transactions. Galloway was indicted last month by the Sullivan County Grand Jury on one count of forgery over $10,000, one count of forgery over $2,500, and one count of theft over $2,500.
“These actions could have been prevented if the PTA had adopted financial controls, as required by state law,” the press release quoted Tennessee Comptroller Justin P. Wilson as saying.
“Not only did PTA officials fail to separate financial responsibilities, but they also did not retain supporting documentation for many purchases.”
The Parent Teacher Association ceased operations at the end of the 2019 school year, according to the press release.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School” by Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School.
