Investigation into missing PTA funds leads to Staunton School Board chair resigning position
STAUNTON — Natasha McCurdy has resigned as chair of the Staunton School Board, effective April 30. The board held a called meeting Wednesday and unanimously accepted McCurdy's resignation. The vote was 4-0. McCurdy wasn't in attendance. Neither was Fontella Brown-Bundy, who has been absent from school board meetings since January due to a health issue.
As reported by The News Leader on April 19, McCurdy and her twin sister, Felecia Neil, are both under investigation after money reportedly went missing from the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at Staunton's A.R. Ware Elementary School.
Neil is the PTA's treasurer. The sisters own Queen City Games and Gifts, and purchases at the store came into question in the affidavit obtained by The News Leader. No criminal charges have been filed, but the investigation is alleging embezzlement, grand larceny and obtaining money by false pretenses.
"We acknowledge the police investigation of Mrs. McCurdy and are fully cooperating with the Staunton Police Department," said school board member Robert Boyle during the meeting. "As of now, no charges have been filed against her. However, given the significant public trust associated with the role of school board chair representing the best interests of the division students, staff and families, Mrs. McCurdy has opted to resign her position as chair."
Boyle, who was the board's vice chair, will assume the position of chair until the annual reorganization meeting in July.
McCurdy will remain on the board as a member, per Boyle.
"It ensures effective leadership within the board," Boyle said, "and minimizes further distractions to the school division during the investigation."
Following the vote, Boyle said board members would refrain from further comment on the matter. Asked after the meeting by The News Leader if any consideration was given to having McCurdy resign from the board, Boyle said stepping down as chair was entirely McCurdy's decision and he wasn't sure what went into her decision.
The News Leader reached out to McCurdy by text following the meeting asking if she had any further comment or considered resigning from the board. She did not immediately respond.
She did earlier respond to the initial story.
"I am aware of these allegations and have cooperated from the beginning, and will continue to do so," McCurdy said in a statement to The News Leader. "The records will show that I have not done anything wrong. I look forward to being cleared of any wrongdoing. Beyond that I will not comment on an ongoing investigation."
McCurdy, who was first elected in 2018 in a special election for a two-year term, and then again in 2020 for a regular four-year term, does not plan to run again in November. Her term is up at the end of this year.
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— Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: McCurdy resigns as Staunton School Board chair during police investigation
