Former treasurer of Lakeville PTO accused of stealing $15,000

Students and parents at Oak Hills Elementary School in Lakeville raised thousands of dollars for their school by selling wrapping paper and chocolates, holding a book fair and a family fun night and selling frozen foods each month.

They learned this week that the money they raised may have been spent on Gophers football tickets, a stay at a Manhattan hotel, a $300 bill at a hair salon and other luxuries.

The alleged culprit is Lisa Miller, the former treasurer of the parent-teacher organization who is under investigation for stealing as much as $15,000 from the PTO's coffers.

"This is the kids' money. That's what's so offensive," said Paul Reuvers, an Oak Hills Elementary parent and the attorney representing the PTO.

The money was supposed to have been used for technology upgrades, including "Smart Boards" for classrooms. But now that will have to wait.

According to a search warrant, Miller was the only one who had a debit card linked to the PTO money when a variety of "suspicious transactions" occurred.

When PTO officials and police began examining the bank account, at least 21 purchases from May 27 to Sept. 3 raised red flags, including $533 to Northwest Airlines, $328 to Cole's Salon, $1,215 for University of Minnesota tickets and events and multiple ATM withdrawals totaling $1,500.

Miller, who has not been charged with a crime, could not be reached Friday for comment. Her attorney, Surya Saxena, said: "We're aware of this issue. We've already been in contact with the agencies and are willing to work with them to resolve any questions they have."

Reuvers said the missing money was noticed in September when the new treasurer -- selected to replace Miller, who had been elected PTO president -- went to the bank.

Account down to $66

"The new treasurer went to the bank to withdraw $100 from our checking account and we had insufficient funds," he said. There was $66 in the account.

"It shocked her," he said.

Miller has resigned her post as PTO president and was barred from the group's activities until the investigation is completed and the money is returned, Reuvers said.

Police searched her house Sept. 15, taking computers, PTO financial records and an envelope containing Gophers football tickets. According to the search warrant, Miller had asked the PTO this summer to forgo its annual financial review.

Linda Swanson, a spokeswoman for the school district, declined to comment concerning the investigation, noting that PTOs operate independent of the school district.

"Schools don't monitor their finances or activities within reason," she said. "It's a parent organization."

Oak Hills Elementary Principal Wade Labatte sent a letter to parents Thursday notifying them of the investigation and noting his support for the organization.

Reuvers said another letter was to be sent Friday to clarify that Miller is under investigation.

The group is reviewing its finances for the two years that Miller served as treasurer, and has added more oversight to the account.

"We've taken steps to make sure this type of thing never happens again," Reuvers said. "It's amazing we were able to raise that amount of money. We hope to get it back."