In a shocking revelation that has rocked the community of PS 166 in Astoria, Queens, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) president, Athena Gonzalez, stands accused of embezzling over $40,000 intended for children’s programs. Gonzalez, who was elected to her position just months earlier in June 2023, allegedly used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including vet bills, Amazon purchases, and food deliveries from Uber Eats.
The allegations surfaced following an emergency PTA meeting on September 27, 2024, when other members raised concerns about missing funds. Gonzalez resigned from her position on the same day. This scandal has not only shaken the school’s parent group but also jeopardized key programs and events for the students that depend on PTA sponsorship.
Fraud Uncovered by PTA Members
The unraveling of Gonzalez’s alleged theft began when the PTA secretary detected unusual banking activity. According to multiple sources, PTA members were first informed of the missing money at a September 27 meeting. A copy of a $10,000 check written to cash was presented as evidence. However, no one took responsibility for writing the check.
The revelation sparked an internal investigation by PTA members, who closely examined financial records and followed a paper trail. It was discovered that Gonzalez had allegedly written another check to herself. Over the summer, Gonzalez reportedly charged tens of thousands of dollars to the PTA’s credit card for personal use. Sources say these charges included vet bills and frivolous spending on Amazon, as well as frequent orders from Uber Eats.
To make matters worse, Gonzalez flaunted her newfound wealth online, posting about recent vacations and showing off her new car on social media. The brazen nature of her actions has left many parents outraged.
A Devastating Blow to the School Community
By the time the fraudulent activity was detected, the damage was already severe. The PTA’s financial report, presented at the last meeting, showed a drastic decrease in the group’s account balance. In June 2024, the PTA had a healthy balance of $64,817. By September, after Gonzalez’s alleged spending spree, only $12,564 remained.
The missing funds have put the school’s beloved enrichment programs in jeopardy. PS 166 is a dual-language, gifted, and talented school known for offering a variety of extracurricular activities that enrich the students’ educational experience. Programs like chess, yoga, theater, and ballroom dancing, which are a major draw for families, are at risk of being canceled due to the financial shortfall. These programs, provided by New York City vendors, can cost the PTA around $10,000 each.
While the fall programs were paid for in advance, parents fear the spring semester may be a different story. The PTA’s inability to cover the costs could lead to the cancellation of these essential activities. As one parent expressed, “It’s just really fun, and the kids love these classes — it’s part of why people have their kids at the school.”
More Fallout from the Embezzlement Scandal
In addition to the enrichment programs, the PTA’s Equitable School Supplies fund has also been severely depleted. The fund was designed to save families time and money by purchasing school supplies in bulk. Each family contributes $45, and those who can afford to give more do so, to help cover the costs for students in need. Now, with the funds allegedly stolen, parents are concerned that the school’s ability to provide these supplies will be severely impacted.
As more details have emerged, PTA members took their findings to both the school’s principal, Jessica Geller, and the New York Police Department (NYPD). An investigation is currently underway, though no arrests have been made as of yet. An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that unauthorized transactions were made from the PTA’s business account between December 2023 and September 2024. However, they emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
Leadership Reshuffle and Cancelled Events
The scandal has also led to a shake-up within the PTA’s leadership. In addition to Gonzalez’s resignation, acting treasurer Claudia Henriquez stepped down on October 10. Special elections to replace both Gonzalez and Henriquez will be held on November 4, according to an announcement on the PTA’s Facebook page.
The loss of leadership and funds has had a direct impact on school events. The PTA has been forced to freeze its bank accounts and cancel several upcoming events, including the school’s popular pasta nights. These events, which have become a beloved tradition at PS 166, bring students and families together in a fun, community-building environment. With the PTA’s finances in disarray, it is unclear when — or if — these events will be reinstated.
Despite the turmoil, Principal Geller expressed support for the current PTA members, emphasizing that the actions of one person should not tarnish the reputation of the entire organization. “We stand by our current PTA members and understand this horrible situation was the actions of one person,” Geller said at the October PTA meeting, according to the minutes.
Community Demands Justice
The scandal has left many parents angry and demanding accountability. “Everybody wants justice,” one parent said at a recent meeting, echoing the sentiments of many in the community who feel betrayed by someone who was supposed to be acting in the best interests of their children.
Although the Department of Education (DOE) and Gonzalez have remained silent on the matter, the PS 166 community continues to grapple with the fallout. The scandal has cast a shadow over what should be a collaborative effort between parents and teachers to support the students. Instead, the school now faces a financial and leadership crisis, with its once-thriving programs and community events hanging in the balance.
As the investigation continues, the families of PS 166 are left to pick up the pieces, hoping that justice will be served and that their children’s education will not be the ultimate casualty of this alleged theft.
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