A principal in Delaware’s Colonial School District was arrested after allegedly stealing from his school's fundraising events and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) account.
Dr. Jacob Getty, principal of Eisenberg Elementary School since 2008, is charged with felony theft.
Police began to investigate Getty on October 3. Administrative Offices in the district reported they suspected Getty had misappropriated funds from several book fairs held at the school beginning in 2009.
Police say Getty wrote 11 pre-signed checks from the school's PTA to himself, which totaled over $4000. Getty also allegedly used money stolen from the PTA not only for himself but also to pay for a bill owed to a fundraising company from a book fair held at the school in the spring of 2009.
Police also say Getty kept the money raised during a fundraising event held at the school in September of 2010 and two others in May 2011.
In all, police say Getty stole over $18000 from the school PTA and school fundraisers.
He was arrested on Sunday after turning himself in to Delaware State Police. He was arraigned on $12000 unsecured bail.
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The Colonial School District says they have internal financial reporting procedures in place. They also say there will be a district wide evaluation of all schools while a business director will review present procedures regarding the handling of fundraising dollars.
Letters were sent to parents of Eisenberg students notifying them of Getty’s arrest and removal. Assistant Principal Valerie Hickman has been given lead administrative responsibilities, according to the District.
