Pender County Schools board holds emergency meeting after alleged booster club embezzlement

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY-TV) – The Pender County Schools Board of Education held an emergency meeting on Thursday after a Topsail High Boosters treasurer was arrested for alleged embezzlement.

Erin Coleen Schmidt of Hampstead was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly taking more than $50,000 in booster clubs funds.

Schmidt is being held at the Pender County jail under a $5,000 bond. During the emergency meeting on Thursday, the board voted unanimously to direct the superintendent and his staff to review policies related to parents organizations that benefit the district.

Following the meeting the board released a statement:

“The Pender County Schools Board of Education is aware of recent concerns involving the misappropriation of funds by a nonprofit organization that supports school athletics. While these funds are not managed by the district, we take this matter seriously. In response, the Board will be strengthening district policies related to nonprofit organizations that support our schools to improve oversight, transparency, and accountability. Our goal is to protect our students, our programs, and the trust of our community. We remain committed to working with school leaders and community partners to ensure strong financial practices and to prevent similar issues in the future.“