Investigation launched after thousands of dollars go missing from a Northeast Philadelphia elementary school.

The Philadelphia School District is currently conducting an inquiry into the alleged mismanagement of funds at Pollock Elementary School, located in Northeast Philadelphia. This investigation comes in response to recent findings that significant sums of money, reportedly collected through various school fundraising activities such as book fairs and bake sales, were unaccounted for.

Documents reviewed by Media News Source indicate that these discrepancies were discovered during a routine reconciliation of the school’s financial accounts, a customary procedure within the district intended to ensure fiscal transparency and accountability. Notably, Scholastic Books has claimed it was not compensated for book sales conducted in both the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025, contributing to concerns regarding the management of the school’s financial resources.

The Office of General Accounting within the school district has filed a formal complaint with the Inspector General’s Office, focusing on the management of the Robert Pollock School Student Activity Fund by the recently retired principal. This development raises serious questions about financial oversight within the school and the accountability of those in charge of managing funds critical for student activities.

Pollock Elementary serves a student body of over 800, with a significant portion—71 percent—designated as economically disadvantaged. Parents and guardians frequently contribute cash for school events, making the integrity of these transactions especially important. Staff members familiar with the school’s operations have noted that past principal Yvette Jackson, who led the school from 2019 until the conclusion of the previous academic year, was responsible for depositing funds collected from events ranging from school dues to book fairs.

While Jackson has declined to comment publicly, a spokesperson for the school board stated that the Inspector General’s office refrains from discussing ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, Robin Cooper, the president of the Commonwealth Association of School Administration Local 502, affirmed the investigation’s legitimacy but highlighted Jackson’s strong reputation in the community over her 30-year career.

Although the exact amount of missing funds has not been officially disclosed, sources suggest that Pollock’s book fairs generated approximately ,000 last year, with bake sales contributing an estimated ,000 each. Additionally, the recent holiday bazaar reportedly netted around ,800, a sum that was initially reported missing but has since been reimbursed.

Typically, proceeds from these initiatives support a range of student programs, including classroom celebrations and resources for the school library. As the investigation unfolds, the tight-knit Pollock community remains hopeful for transparency and resolution regarding the management of its finances, underscoring the importance of proper stewardship in educational environments.