Pender County Schools suspends Topsail Athletic Boosters as treasurer removed

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — Pender County Schools announced the immediate suspension of the Topsail Athletic Boosters organization, citing concerns that the group may have violated bylaws or school board policies.

District officials said the Boosters’ board of directors notified the school system that the organization may have violated one or more of its governing bylaws and Pender County Board of Education policies.

Because the matter is under review, the school system said it will not comment on specific details to avoid interfering with any potential investigative process.

School leaders also noted that prior to the suspension, Pender County Schools was not involved in the day-to-day financial operations of the Boosters.

Classes, athletic programs and other school-sponsored activities will continue as scheduled, according to the district.

In a separate announcement, the Topsail Athletic Boosters Board of Directors said it has removed its treasurer after receiving information that identified discrepancies during routine financial oversight.

The board said it is working with external financial professionals to assist with the review.

“The Topsail Athletic Boosters is committed to responsible stewardship of the funds entrusted to our organization,” the executive board said in a statement. “We are taking this matter seriously and are following established procedures to ensure a careful and thorough review.”