From Staff Reports Some school systems in the Huntsville area keep a close eye on money raised by PTAs and booster clubs, but others keep their hands off. In Decatur, school officials decided to require two signatures on checks written on volunteer groups' accounts in the aftermath of theft by a former school board chairman, Randy Holmes. Holmes is serving a 10-year sentence, but he can be paroled in three years if he makes restitution. Decatur schools Superintendent Larry Walters said it's up to each school and organization to determine whether the money will go through the school's books. In Morgan County, Superintendent Don Murphy said he prefers the money go through the schools and school system's general fund.
Groups can keep their money separate if they wish.
All accounts are also audited,'' said Irby. We hope that keeps down the temptations,'' he said. Limestone County Superintendent Les Bivens said the organizations handle their own money, except when a group provides a supplemental salary for a coach or teacher. That money goes through the school. In Scottsboro, the city school system meets a standard set by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for all PTO funds raised in a school's name to be recorded in the school's financial records, said Superintendent Charles Carrick.