DuPage County

Suburban Parent Charged with Stealing $13K from School PTO – Woodridge Today


An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled dollar bill, its texture and shadows dramatically illuminated by a harsh camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the misuse of school fundraising money.The alleged theft of PTO funds deprived a local elementary school of critical resources to support its students.Woodridge Today

A former treasurer of the Goodrich Elementary School PTO in Woodridge, Illinois has been charged with stealing over $13,000 from the organization over a 16-month period. Amanda Piasecki, a 39-year-old Woodridge resident, is accused of lining her own pockets by treating the PTO as her ‘own personal fundraiser’ and depriving the school of much-needed funds.

Why it matters

Theft from parent-teacher organizations can have a significant impact on schools, depriving them of resources for educational programs, supplies, and extracurricular activities. This case highlights the need for stronger financial oversight and accountability measures for PTO groups to prevent such incidents.

The details

According to prosecutors, Piasecki stole $13,062 from the Goodrich Elementary PTO between May 1, 2024 and September 4, 2025 while serving as the group’s treasurer. The PTO board has stated that Piasecki no longer has access to their finances, and they will continue to cooperate with authorities on the case.

  • Piasecki allegedly stole the funds between May 1, 2024 and September 4, 2025.
  • On Tuesday, a grand jury indicted Piasecki on two felony theft counts.
  • On Thursday, Piasecki turned herself in at the DuPage County Jail.

The players

Amanda Piasecki

A 39-year-old Woodridge resident who served as the treasurer of the Goodrich Elementary School PTO and is accused of stealing over $13,000 from the organization.

Robert Berlin

The DuPage County State’s Attorney, who stated that if the allegations are true, Piasecki ‘treated the PTO as her own personal fundraiser and, in doing so, lined her own pockets while depriving the Goodrich Elementary School PTO of much-needed funding.’

Goodrich Elementary School PTO

The parent-teacher organization for Goodrich Elementary School in Woodridge, Illinois, which had its funds stolen by the former treasurer, Amanda Piasecki.

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What they’re saying

“If the allegations in this case are proven true, Ms. Piasecki treated the PTO as her own personal fundraiser and, in doing so, lined her own pockets while depriving the Goodrich Elementary School PTO of much-needed funding.”

— Robert Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney

What’s next

Piasecki is expected to appear in court on April 10th, where a judge will determine if she can be released on bail pending trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial oversight and accountability measures for parent-teacher organizations to prevent theft and ensure funds are used for their intended purpose of supporting schools and students.



Author

About the author

Kathryn Sears

Kathryn is a mom of two beautiful kids. She and her husband live in the Western suburbs of Chicago.