Conewago Elementary PTO Meeting Minutes
March 27, 2014 7:00-8:00pm
Conewago Elementary School Library
Attendees:
Tom Ball
Kelly Mahler
Barb Nichols
Sue Breidenstine
Jill Hofsass
Mariann DeNotaris
Beth Hummer
Charlie Stevens
Michelle Singiser
Ed Gnall
Dr. Sherri Smith
Steve McNally
Scott Wendling
Rory Piermattei
Amber Branchi
Lisa Foley
Deb Avery
Opening:
The meeting of the Conewago Elementary PTO was called to order at 7:06 PM on Thursday, March 27th, 2014 at
the Conewago Elementary library by Rory Piermattei, President. Jill Hofsass recorded the proceedings.
Principal’s Report – Ed Gnall
Mr. Gnall welcomed everyone to the meeting thanked them for attending this special meeting of the PTO. He
then introduced the Lower Dauphin School District Superintendant, Dr. Sherri Smith.
New Business – Conewago PTO Treasurer – Dr. Sherri Smith
Last Monday, Rory Piermattei and Mr. Gnall reported to Dr. Smith that Mr. Piermattei found questionable
actions made by Erin Lenker, PTO Treasurer, on our PTO’s bank account held at Metro Bank in Derry
Township. Dr. Smith contacted our district business manager and was advised to contact Metro Bank’s security
team. After advisement from Metro Bank, on Tuesday, our bank records were submitted to Derry Township
Police Department for review.
The PTO Executive Committee met via phone conference to accomplish 3 things. 1) To remove Erin Lenker
from all accounts associate with the Conewago PTO 2) To allow the current PTO President and Vice President,
Rory Piermattei and Tom Ball respectively access to the PTO financial accounts. Effective 3/17/14, all checks
written and cashed from both of the PTO accounts must be signed by both the current PTO President and PTO
Vice President and 3) To add an addendum to the 2/11/14 PTO minutes to reflect the discussion that Rory
Piermattei had with the general PTO regarding the decision that the Conewago Executive PTO committee had
made to allow the PTO president Rory Piermattei to be added to the current PTO financial account.
Derry Township Police discovered a substantial amount of money was taken from the Conewago’s PTO account
by the PTO treasurer, Erin Lenker. Erin Lenker acknowledged wrongdoings when contacted by Derry Township
Police Department.
A letter from the Lower Dauphin School District will be going out to all families at Conewago Elementary
School on 3/28/14 informing them about the situation.
Dr. Smith would like to focus on changing our policies so that this could never happen in the future. Things that
will be changing will be: 1) Requiring a 2nd signature on the account for all monies coming in and out of the
account 2) Always having 2 different people counting cash boxes at events that have cash and 3) An audit would
be performed on the PTO financial records every summer.
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Dr. Smith also informed the PTO that Derry Township police would seek restitution for the money taken from
the PTO. She would also like to thank Rory Piermattei and the PTO Executive Committee for taking action very
promptly after learning of the inconsistencies in the PTO’s financial account.
Mr. Gnall expressed that he was sorry that this happened and would like the Conewago community to come
together to assure that this would not happen again. He agreed with Dr. Smith that the policies for financial
accounting will change from this point forward.
Rory Piermattei assured the PTO members present that there was enough money left in our account to cover all
expenses for the remainder of the year.
Sue Breidenstine informed the PTO that we had purchased an insurance policy when Ryan Little was PTO
president and she offered to see if that policy would cover theft.
New Business – Approval of Executive Committee Minutes -Rory Piermattei
Sue Breidenstine made motion to approve the PTO Executive Meeting Minutes from 3/17/2014 with the
amendment that Mr. Gnall could be a 3rd signee on the PTO financial accounts. Amber Branchi seconded the
motion. Motion approved.
New Business – Treasurer Position –Sue Breidenstine
Sue Breidenstine made the motion make Rory Piermattei and Tom Ball co-treasurers of the Conewago PTO.
Steve McNally seconded the motion. Motion approved.
New Business – Comments
Discussion ensued about possible backlash from businesses that support the school. Mr. Stevens commented that
this situation happens to all types of organizations and that we need to remember that the PTO is a victim of a
crime and we should not receive backlash from the school and business community.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by Rory Piermattei at 8:10 PM.
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