In Collin County, Texas, Community ISD has reported that funds were allegedly misused by a former member of two organizations associated with the district: the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) at Edge Middle School and the Booster Club for Community Brave Athletics. The district has launched an investigation and pledged to restore the missing funds.
Initial Discovery and Allegations
Community ISD shared details of the incident through a letter to parents, acknowledging a “discrepancy” in the accounts of the PTO and Booster Club. An initial investigation identified one individual accused of misusing funds for personal gain.
The suspect, Keri Michele Stegman, has been charged with theft of property valued between $30,000 and $150,000. According to a Community ISD police report, the alleged theft took place between June 2023 and January 2024. Stegman was listed online as the PTO president for the 2023-2024 school year.
Parental Reactions: Shock, Anger, and Demands for Accountability
Several upset parents, speaking to CBS News Texas on the condition of anonymity, expressed frustration over the situation.
- One parent shared their initial reaction: “My first reaction was anger. I have a child who plays sports and has been part of athletics their entire life. For someone to feel entitled to take that money—it’s infuriating!”
- Another parent raised concerns about oversight: “I have questions as to who she was reporting to because there’s no way that we didn’t notice that that amount of money was missing.”
The missing funds have impacted students directly, with some parents pointing out how the theft has prevented the district from providing necessary equipment or rewarding students.
“At the end of the day, the only people that suffered here were the kids,” one parent said. “They don’t get the equipment they need. They don’t get those T-shirts when they make it to playoffs because they don’t have the money in the budget. Well, now we know why!”
District’s Response and Next Steps
Community ISD has taken immediate action by launching an audit of both the PTO and the Booster Club to assess the extent of the financial damage and identify any additional issues.
The district emphasized that it will do everything possible to recover the stolen funds and ensure that students do not face long-term consequences.
The individual identified in the investigation is no longer part of either organization, and criminal charges have been filed. The district has not released additional details on the exact amount stolen or the recovery plan, but it has assured parents that restoring the funds is a priority.
Calls for Full Accountability
Many parents are pushing for stricter financial oversight and better accountability measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Parents believe that stronger reporting mechanisms and regular audits could help detect discrepancies before they escalate.
The community hopes that the district’s investigation will lead to improved policies and practices, ensuring that student programs do not suffer due to financial mismanagement.
The alleged theft of funds from Community ISD’s PTO and Booster Club has left parents frustrated and concerned about oversight. As the district works to recover the stolen money, parents are demanding full accountability and changes to prevent future misuse.
For now, the focus remains on minimizing the impact on students and ensuring that they receive the support and resources they deserve.