PENDER COUNTY — The Pender County Board of Education will be looking into strengthening district policies related to nonprofit organizations in the wake of the arrest of Topsail Athletic Booster’s club treasurer on Wednesday.
The board voted in a special meeting last week to begin reviewing Pender County Schools’ policy 5010 on parent organizations.
READ MORE: Topsail booster club board member arrested for money laundering, embezzlement
“Parent organizations, including athletic booster clubs and PTOs, are independent nonprofit entities,” board chair Don Hall said in a press release. “While they provide valuable support to our schools and students, they operate under their own governing bylaws, manage their own finances, and function separately from Pender County Schools.”
The policy outlines the expectations for collaboration between schools and independent groups. It also affirms, while the organizations work alongside schools, they are not managed or operated by the school district.
“We deeply appreciate the many volunteers who give their time and energy to support our students,” Hall added. “Their commitment makes a meaningful difference in our schools. At the same time, it’s important for our community to understand the structure and governance of these organizations.”
Last week, Port City Daily reported the Pender County Sheriff’s Office arrested Erin Coleen Schmidt, Hampstead resident and Topsail Athletic Booster’s club treasurer. Schmidt is charged with felony obtain property by false pretense, felony money laundering less than $100,000 and felony embezzlement.
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office said it was was notified of possible criminal activity involving Schmidt on Feb. 6 by Topsail High School administration and the booster club board of directors. An investigation was launched, which determined that Schmidt had embezzled funds in excess of $50,000 from the booster club.
Schmidt was also removed from her role as treasurer Wednesday and PCS suspended the activity of the booster club.
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