Apple Valley Unified Teachers Association president suspected of embezzling $225,000

A letter from the Apple Valley Unified Teachers Association to colleagues alleges that over the last four years, its former chapter president pocketed nearly $225,000 from the organization.

Following the announcement, the Apple Valley Unified School District told the Daily Press that the AVUTA funds are not under AVUSD authority and are subject only to union oversight.

The AVUTA letter states that “over the past few months,” it had come to the attention of its executive board that for the past four years, there had been “significant financial irregularities and improper association expenditures.”

The AVUTA alleges that the financial issues are “based on the conduct of our former chapter president Kristy Croft” who stepped down from her position in April.

Croft stepped down due to “personal reasons,” according to an April 5 letter from AVUTA President Karen Sabers, who was appointed to replace Croft by the executive board.

Following a forensic audit by the California Teachers Association, the AVUTA discovered that the financial irregularities, including “extensive personal use of association funds,” amounted to approximately $225,000, the AVUTA letter said.

“Today, in accordance with our insurance policies, AVUTA turned the matter over to law enforcement for investigation and potential prosecution,” the letter said. 

The National Education association insurance policy, which covers chapters facing similar circumstances, also ensures the protection and recovery of AVUTA dues money.

"Since there is an ongoing investigation, at this time, I do not have any further comments than what is in the confidential statement to the AVUTA members," Sabers told the Daily Press on Thursday.

Sheriff's officials did not respond to messages left regarding the incident.

AVUSD

AVUSD officials said they are aware of the AVUTA reporting the allegations of misappropriation of funds to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department’s station in Apple Valley.

The current AVUTA president sent an email to association members regarding the allegations regarding the past president, AVUSD said.

“While we are early in the process of obtaining specific information, school districts MAY NOT interfere with Union business and/or any law enforcement investigation,” the AVUSD said.

The district added that while awaiting findings in any external investigation, the AVUSD knows they have a duty to report specific allegations and findings to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as warranted and related to the scope of employment.

Croft could not be reached for comment.

The AVUTA

Some AVUTA benefits include representation of Pre-K to 12th grades bargaining unit members in the AVUSD, including teachers, speech therapists, counselors, and preschool teachers, the organization said.

The AVUTA states that they are “your voice at the bargaining table as we negotiate your salary, health benefits, and working conditions in the district. We are your first phone call should you need assistance in representation at an administrative conference or in other situations that may arise as you perform your work duties each day."

Enrollment in the AVUTA entitles members to automatic membership in the California Teachers Association and the National Education Association.

The benefits of belonging to the three organizations include several economic and legal services and a variety of insurance programs.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz