People want to help replenish PTA funds

When Pequot Lakes Schools PTA members learned last week that one of the PTA's co-treasurers has been accused of stealing more than $10,000 from the PTA fund, they worried that the non-profit organization's reputation was damaged.

But Jill Andersen, PTA president, said Friday that she and other PTA board members have been inundated with e-mails and calls from parents and community members who want to help.

"I'm getting a ton of e-mails. A lot of people are saying that this is so tragic, that we're so sorry, that we support PTA, which is so awesome to hear, that people understand it's not the whole organization but one person," said Andersen. "People are saying they want to help with either money or time, which is really what PTA needs."

Sarah Barnum, 31, Crosslake, was arrested by Pequot Lakes Police Tuesday. She was charged Thursday in Crow Wing County District Court with felony aggravated forgery and felony check forgery of $2,500 or more. According to the criminal complaint, Barnum admitted to stealing from the PTA accounts on Sept. 21, the day she was named a co-treasurer. She also admitted to forging Andersen's name, as well as two other PTA board members' names, on numerous checks and using the money to pay bills, stay at hotels, buy food and pay a collection agency. The complaint states that at least 40 forged checks were written from the accounts.

Barnum was released Thursday from Crow Wing County Jail on $500 conditional bail. Her next court date is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. April 12.

Money raised by PTA helps pay for a variety of school-related events and programs for students in kindergarten through eighth-grade, like student field trips, curriculum not covered by the school budget and free books for students through the Fun Books for Kids program. Andersen said the group's biggest fundraiser is student magazine sales and those funds have been wiped out because of the theft.

Andersen said many people have asked how they can financially contribute to the PTA and the organization is working on a Web site where donations may be made. For now, those who wish to make a donation may send it directly to the PTA's savings account at Lakes State Bank.

Checks may be addressed to PLS PTA and mailed to Lakes State Bank, PLS PTA Savings Account, P.O. Box 366, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472. Those who wish to join the PTA or want to know how they may volunteer, may e-mail Andersen at jill@lonesomecottage.com or Laurie Holm, membership chair, at Holm95@msn.com.

The PTA is selling $5 buttons at Pequot Lakes/Breezy Point/Crosslake area businesses to help raise funds for its March 5 spring carnival at Eagle View Elementary School. The PTA sponsored a fifth-grade art contest and picked four winners whose designs are featured on each of these buttons. Those who wish to donate a silent auction item for the carnival may contact Andersen.

"I would like to thank everybody for caring for the kids and being concerned about them, about seeing the long-term picture and not just one specific, unfortunate incident," said Andersen.

JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.