In Light Of Embezzlement Investigation, PS 29's PTA Holds Emergency Meeting

The Parent Teachers Association of in Cobble Hill met Monday night for an emergency meeting to discuss roughly $5,500 from the PTA fund.

Providence Hogan, who has a daughter in the fourth grade at PS 29 and owns , is under investigation by the . The PTA fund contains approximately $450,000, members said.

More than 100 parents, teachers, administrators and faculty members packed into the PS 29 auditorium. Despite the internal  breach of security, the PTA vowed to continue fundraising as usual, beginning with an featuring the actress and local mom, Lili Taylor.

Monday’s meeting was hosted by Principal Melanie Woods, current PTA treasurer Sarah Sellers, PTA Co-President Lauren Gottlieb and PTA Executive Board Member Maureen Thomas.

Detective Chris Marrow from the 76 Precinct was on hand to dispell any false information that had circulated in the last few days. The Daily News reported that Hogan had embezzled up to $100,000, but at the meeting the figure was pegged at $5,500 in the form of two checks. It is unclear when the checks were written.

“What’s in the papers is wildly inaccurate. That number is 100 percent completely made up and doesn’t match up to any of the investigations we’ve had,” said Marrow.

Marrow advised the crowd not to jump to conclusions, explaining there is very little information that has been officially substantiated. While Marrow placed the amount missing at $5,500, the investigation is still in its beginning stages and the final numbers are yet to be determined, he said.

“We’re dealing with it, but it takes time. There were two checks in question and that’s all we can say right now," he said. "We’re going through the records and the receipts, trying to coordinate the Feng Shui.”

Despite the missing funds, the meeting moderators assured the audience that the PTA is solvent, and no programs will be cut or scaled back.

PS 29 features many extra-curricular programs including arts collaborations with organizations like the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Metropolitan Opera Guild, paid for in part by PTA fundraising.

Many PTA members who spoke publicly expressed anger about the skewed numbers reported in the media and urged parents to avoid commenting on the matter until the investigation is complete. Some alluded to the negative effects of these reports on PS 29 students including Hogan’s daughter, who has been absent from school since the story broke. Other PTA members jumped at the chance to defend the school, and the PTA executive board.

“There’s a lot of cynicism, and it only takes a couple of bad apples mouthing off,” said Victoria Baluk, mother of a second-grader and a pre-kindergartner. “We’re only hurting our children. This is about future fundraising for our kids. Let’s put our trust in [the PTA executive  board] and keep the positivity going.”

In response to the charges, the PTA has put a series of checks and balances in place to more securely monitor funds and plug any possible holes. The board is in the process of assembling an auditing committee made up of five members, the majority of whom will not be on the executive board. The audit committee will meet on a quarterly basis and review meeting minutes, books and records and make sure all necessary policies are in place and enforced. The executive board is also currently drafting new bylaws.

“I’ve been here for 10 years and I’ve seen a community built on trust and caring,” Woods said. “In difficult times there is room for positive growth. We’ll get through this stronger.”