By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
The alleged misuse of funds involving the parent club of a local elementary school is currently being investigated.
Although specific details have not yet been revealed, the investigation centers on a former member of the Gilkey Elementary School Parent Club in Plainwell.
In a statement, Plainwell Community Schools superintendent Matthew Montange said the district is aware of the ongoing investigation. He also said that the individual being investigated had no access to any other funds in the district.
“Please note that there is complete separation between district funds and parent club funds; at no time were district funds available to this individual or any other member of a parent or booster club,” Montange said.
Montange also stated that while PCS “recognizes and appreciates the high-quality events, programs and support that is provided for all students and staff by our Parent Teacher Organizations and Booster Clubs,” the district provides no direct oversight of those groups.
“These are strictly volunteer organizations that maintain their own charters, boards and officers,” he said.
“At no time does the district have access to, nor fiduciary oversight of, funds collected by these organizations. Each club maintains their own bank accounts and records. The district provides volunteer background checks, access to facilities and indirect support through personnel, communications, and events.”
And while this incident is troubling, Montange made it clear that it in no way represented the Gilkey Parent Club as a whole.
“We fully support our Gilkey Parent Club members and officers and greatly appreciate the wonderful activities and events that they provide for students and staff,” he said. “We hope that you will continue to support our Gilkey Parent Club in their hard work to provide great opportunities for our kids both now and in the future.”
