The former treasurer of a parent-teacher nonprofit in D.C. has found herself on the wrong side of a lawsuit, accused of funneling nearly $19,000 of the organization's money into her personal indulgences. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb took legal action against Robynn Chandler-Mitchell, alleging she misused the funds intended to benefit the Powell Elementary School community, with expenses ranging from car payments and groceries to nail salons.
Chandler-Mitchell, who had been overseeing the finances of the Parents Organized for the Power of Powell School (POPPS), reportedly reassured the board that the accounts were healthy while they were dipping into the red and accumulating overdraft fees. According to NBC Washington, this deception continued until the account was eventually closed when she got caught. The reported misuse of the nonprofit's funds, raised to assist school operations, has led the school community to assert trust betrayed.
"Any nonprofit operating in the District of Columbia must follow DC law and ensure that its funds are used for designated nonprofit purposes—not for personal, private gain," AG Schwalb stated as obtained by WJLA. He went on to elaborate on the admission under oath by Chandler-Mitchell regarding the misappropriated funds, which she has not yet repaid, prompting the Office of Attorney General to file suit and enforce the laws governing nonprofit and charitable organizations.
Recognizing the Attorney General's efforts, the Powell Padres PTA expressed its gratitude and has vowed to cooperate with the legal process, as reported by BNN Breaking. They highlighted the importance of financial oversight within nonprofit organizations and emphasized the objective of not only achieving restitution but also ensuring Chandler-Mitchell is prevented from assuming similar fiduciary roles in the future.
With the suit in motion, Chandler-Mitchell has 21 days to respond upon service. The case brings to light the broader implications for the management and oversight of charitable funds within schools and similar organizations, possibly prompting stricter measures to prevent financial mismanagement. The ripple effects of the lawsuit might extend well beyond the Powell Elementary School's gates, igniting a push for greater transparency and controls within PTAs and nonprofit groups.
