SPOKANE, Wash. — The President of the Lidgerwood Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the PTO board’s funds, according to court documents obtained by NonStop Local.
PTO President Jessica Klein faces one count of first-degree theft.
According to the affidavit, which contains various witness testimonies, on Nov. 29, 2023, the Vice President of Lidgerwood Elementary PTO was informed of an overdraft notice on their Chase Bank account.
The court documents show that Klein took out a debit card on the account, charging roughly $9,000 over the last year for Rite Aid purchases, Uber Eats, restaurants, gas stations and hotels. At least $5,000 of those purchases were not discussed by the PTO.
NonStop Local contacted Lidgerwood Elementary and a receptionist stated that Lidgerwood PTO was dissolved at the beginning of the 2023 school year.
However, according to the court documents, there was still money in their PTO accounts.
The PTO was re-assembled in 2024. Their first meeting was the week of Jan. 8.
The affidavit says the PTO’s process for approving purchases had always been that an expense would be brought up in a meeting, discussed and then voted on.
The only agreed upon purchases under Klein’s time as President were for a chocolate fundraiser with “World’s Finest Chocolate” and a flower fundraiser for Valentine’s Day. This was during the last school year, prior to the PTO being dissolved.
The organization still owes about $3500 dollars to various businesses. The businesses have not been paid back because, according to the documents, their account was over-drawn.
The Principal of Lidgerwood did send a letter to parents about the situation Wednesday.
It reads: “Thank you for your support of Lidgerwood Elementary School. I would like to inform you about a situation regarding the Lidgerwood Parent Teacher Group (PTG). I recently was made aware that there is a discrepancy in PTG funds, and that local law enforcement has been contacted.
I am informing you about this situation because you may see local media reports on the issue. However, please note that the PTG is a volunteer-run organization that supports community-building events for our families and is separate from our school and the district. No school funds were affected.
Last night, I met with PTG members to share my support and to let them know that they play a pivotal role in building community at our school. I know they are looking forward to continuing to assist with after-school activities, purchasing supplies and uniforms, and supporting Lidgerwood teachers.
I look forward to providing support to the PTG in an effort to continue fostering a community of belonging at Lidgerwood, while at the same time building trust by our community in the PTG governance.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact your PTG representatives. Please understand that my knowledge is limited and this is a legal issue so I am unable to discuss details,” the principal said.
