PTO board moving forward

By Denise Dick

The former treasurer is scheduled to return to court Dec. 18.

STRUTHERS — In the wake of its former treasurer being charged with taking money, the Springfield Local PTO now requires the signature of both the organization’s president and treasurer on every check and withdrawal.

Cheryl Blakeman, 37, of Columbiana Road, appeared Monday before Judge James Lanzo of Struthers Municipal Court on a theft charge filed by New Middletown police.

The judge set bond at $5,000, allowing Blakeman to post 10 percent, or $500 cash.

After Blakeman said she isn’t employed, Judge Lanzo found her indigent and said an attorney will be appointed to represent her. Her preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 18.

New Middletown police Chief Vincent D’Egidio said a “conservative estimate” places the amount Blakeman is accused of taking from the PTO at between $10,000 and $20,000.

Blakeman had worked at Huntington Bank and is accused of diverting money from the PTO’s account into her personal account, the chief has said. She was having financial problems and had intended to repay the money but became overwhelmed and was unable to repay it, the chief has said.

Blakeman, who declined to comment after court, served as treasurer for about four years but didn’t seek re-election to the post.

“We are deeply saddened that this has happened to our children and community, and are hopeful that we still have the community’s support so that we may continue to provide the many programs the PTO funds for our schools,” the PTO executive board said in a statement.

The executive board consists of Tina Belfast, president; Amy Mericle, treasurer; and Deana Fitch, secretary.

The statement says that as soon as the theft was brought to the organization’s attention, the PTO contacted authorities and continues to work them to bring the matter to a close.

“We are moving forward as a strong, united organization,” the statement said.

“In order to ensure that this cannot happen again in the future, we have implemented a number of new financial controls, including: copies of monthly bank statements are given to all board members; every check and withdrawal requires the signature of the President and the Treasurer, as well as conducting an annual audit of our financial records.”

denise_dick@vindy.com