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Parent urges district to strengthen PTO financial controls after regional theft case
Summary
A parent with expertise in detecting financial fraud urged the board to revisit PTO and school-group financial controls, suggesting simple measures such as two-signature checks, training, and routine financial reviews to protect funds raised for students.
Scott Somaya identified himself as a district parent and a professional with experience preventing organizational financial fraud and urged the Marlboro Township School District board to review internal controls for PTOs and school-connected groups. He said a recent theft from PTO funds in a neighboring district showed how weak controls can enable misappropriation and that the majority of volunteers are honest but still need "guardrails."
Somaya recommended simple measures, including requiring two signatures on checks, providing clear guidelines and training for PTO treasurers, and encouraging routine financial reviews, arguing these steps are proactive and not burdensome. "Strong financial controls are not complicated," he said, and recommended the board review current policies to ensure they are sufficient before a crisis occurs.
Board members thanked him for the suggestion. The item was a public comment request for policy review; no formal policy change was proposed or voted on during the meeting.
