CAMDEN, Tenn. — An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has found that a former Camden Elementary School media specialist misappropriated at least $31,404.68 in proceeds earned through the school’s Scholastic Book Fairs.
Camden Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) operates two Scholastic Book Fairs each year. Instead of receiving its share of book fair proceeds in cash, the PTO chose to receive Scholastic Dollars. These are credits earned from book fair sales that can be used through Scholastic to purchase books, furniture, learning activities, supplies, and other items for the school.
The Comptroller’s Office began its investigation after school officials reported the possible misuse of Scholastic Dollars by the former media specialist, who also served as the PTO’s bookkeeper.
Investigators determined that between March 2020 and March 2026, the former media specialist used $31,404.68 in Scholastic Dollars to make at least 15 purchases for her personal benefit. The purchases included adult clothing, home décor, lighting, electronics, audiovisual equipment, and thousands of dollars in furniture. The items were delivered to her home without the knowledge of PTO board members or school administrators.
After school administrators informed the former media specialist that she could no longer operate the book fair, she used the remaining Scholastic Dollars to place a $9,710.10 order in March 2026. She told investigators that she had all the items from that order and a large number of items from previous orders at her home.
Investigators also determined the former media specialist improperly used the school’s tax exempt status for each of the Scholastic orders. She was removed from the school’s Scholastic account on March 12, 2026, suspended without pay on March 26, 2026, and resigned from Benton County Schools effective June 30, 2026.
The results of this investigation were communicated with the Office of the District Attorney General of the 24th Judicial District.
“Money and other benefits generated by school support organizations must be protected and used to support the school and its students,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “The Model Financial Policy requires PTO officers to maintain responsibility for their organization’s financial records. A school employee should not serve as the PTO bookkeeper.”