Former General McLane School District employee, Meghan Chelton has been charged after an investigation into alleged theft from the Teacher Sunshine Fund, officials announced Tuesday.
The Teacher Sunshine Fund is supported by teachers through internal fundraising events, such as “jeans day,” and is used to assist colleagues during major life events. The account is not district property.
About two years ago, district administrators discovered irregularities in the fund’s management and reported them to the Pennsylvania State Police. A criminal investigation followed, focusing on the former employee’s access to the account and other unrelated accounts.
The district assisted with the investigation, including a forensic review of the fund, and has since implemented recommended safeguards.
Charges filed include alleged theft and unauthorized transactions from the Teacher Sunshine Fund at General McLane High School. The district says it will continue cooperating with law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office as the case proceeds.
Chelton had stolen approximately $140 from a cash box located at the front office of the school on May 18, 2023. She later resigned. Following this incident the General McLane administration performed an audit of the sunshine fund and found that $18,434.94 had been withdrawn from the account.
Multiple search warrants had been obtained, and it was found that Chelton had completed the unauthorized purchases.
Chelton has been charged with six counts of theft and three counts of receiving stolen property.