Parents Question PTO Spending as Playground Fund Remains Unfulfilled
KINGSVILLE, TEXAS – A simple question posted on social media two months ago has sparked controversy at Harrell Elementary School. A parent asked, “When are we going to see the new playground for our elementary school?” That question quickly gained traction as other parents echoed the concern.
The Harrell Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has been fundraising for new playground equipment since at least 2022, with some parents claiming efforts have been ongoing for as long as a decade. Despite these efforts, the playground has yet to materialize. The PTO remained silent on the matter until recent revelations shed light on why the project has stalled.
According to records obtained by South Texas Community News through a Public Information request filed by Elizabeth Ramos, the PTO has had substantial spending activity—but none allocated for playground equipment. Financial statements show that at the end of September 2024, the PTO’s checking account had a balance of $12,766.47. By the end of February 2025, that amount had dwindled to $2,035.56—over $10,000 spent within seven months.
A breakdown of expenditures indicates frequent purchases at Wing Stop, DoorDash, Amazon, and Walmart. However, without accompanying receipts, the nature of these expenses remains unclear. Several parents expressed concerns over these transactions, stating they were unaware of such spending and demanding documentation for transparency.
“…because it’s supposed to be for a playground, and it appears it was used for personal needs.”, Jennifer Moya, parent of children at Harrell Elementary School.
Adding to concerns, the records also show over $5,000 in transactions made directly to a CashApp account that many parents claim they did not know existed. Some transactions occurred multiple times on the same day for the same amount. Additionally, there were direct cash withdrawals totaling over $900 within the same 7-month period.
As of press time, PTO board members Luz Lopez, Brittney Sanchez, Sylvia Munoz, and Janie Espinosa have not responded to requests for comment. Parents remain frustrated and are calling for accountability regarding the organization's handling of funds. The situation has left many wondering when, or if, the long-promised playground will ever become a reality.
The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 at 5:30 pm at the Harrell Elementary cafeteria.
Parts of this article were generated using artificial intelligence to ensure continuity.
