State report says former Eastside secretary stole $17K

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

COLLINS

With a former secretary at Eastside Elementary facing theft charges for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from the school, the Tennessee Department of Treasury has released a report alleging over $17,000 was misappropriated.

The secretary, Rebecca Collins, who left her position prior to her indictment earlier this year, is charged with theft over $10,000. She at first reportedly admitted to taking $4,000; however, according to the investigative treasury report, has since said she is unsure how much money was taken.

According to the treasury report, an audit was conducted on the school finances in light of Collins’ arrest. The audit covered July 1, 2001 to Dec. 31, 2002. The audit revealed $17,499 were unaccounted for. The largest amount of money, $13,970, came from a shortage of vending machine collections. Another $1,279 was missing from a December 2001 Santa Shop fundraiser, while $972 was missing from the Santa Shop fundraiser in 2002. A total of $486 in collections were recorded on collection logs but not deposited into the school account while $459 were receipted but not placed into the school account. The final $333 in missing money is unaccounted for from book fair collections.

“The former bookkeeper apparently attempted to conceal the apparent misappropriation related to vending by recording some collections and disbursements incorrectly in the school’s accounting records,” the report found.

In light of its findings, the Department of Treasury made recommendations on how the school could avoid future problems when it comes to accounting for money.

In the case of vending machines, the report recommended careful paperwork be kept and that any extra inventory for the machines be kept in a secured area. The money, the report said, should be collected by two persons who carefully document the collections.

The treasurer’s report also found problems in documenting concession stand receipts, although it did not make allegations of theft related to Collins.

To remedy the concessions questions, the report recommended a periodic concession profit analysis be made to make sure the receipts are being fully deposited. A collection report should also be made following each concessions event.

The treasurer’s report concluded better documentation procedures are needed to better account for money collected through fundraisers and to ensure the money is being deposited into the school’s account. School officials who were interviewed by the investigative team agreed with the findings, noting they will enact the suggested procedures.

Collins, who is free on bond, will face trial on her charges at a later date.