'A Sense of Betrayal': Montville Schools Address Arrest Of Woodmont PTA President

MONTVILLE, NJ - The former president of the Woodmont Elementary School PTA has been arrested on theft charges after an investigation into alleged financial misappropriation of the organization's funds, according to media reports.

Montville Township Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas A. Gorman notified the school community of the situation in a letter this week, stressing that while the district is cooperating fully with police, the PTA operates as an independent nonprofit with its own accounts, bylaws, and elected leadership — separate from district oversight.

"I want to be very clear and transparent regarding the relationship between the school district and this organization," Gorman wrote Tuesday. "The PTA is an independent, non-profit entity. It maintains its own financial accounts, operates under its own bylaws, and is governed by its own elected board of directors. As such, the school district does not oversee, manage, or have direct access to PTA funds."

Despite that distinction, Gorman acknowledged the deep impact the news would have on families and staff.

"I understand the sense of betrayal and concern this news brings to our families and staff," he wrote. "The PTA plays an integral role in enriching our students' educational experiences, and it is deeply disappointing to learn that these resources, which were generously contributed by our community, have been compromised."

Gorman said he has been in direct contact with current PTA leadership to provide support and guidance as the organization navigates the situation. The district is fully cooperating with the Montville Township Police Department and is committed to seeing the matter resolved.

Looking ahead, the superintendent said the district and PTA are working to establish proper financial oversight protocols to prevent any similar occurrence in the future — and that PTA operations would continue in the meantime.

"Our priority remains, as always, the well-being and success of our students," Gorman wrote. "We are dedicated to rebuilding trust and ensuring that our parent-led organizations continue to serve as the pillars of support they were intended to be for our children."

Police received a theft report on March 31, when someone noticed the holiday boutique proceeds from December 2025 were missing, according to TapInto.

Detective Keith Donnelly investigated and identified Victoria Finlinson, 32, who was serving as PTA president at the time, as the suspect responsible for the theft. Finlinson was arrested and charged May 22 with theft and two counts of bad checks. She was released on a summons, according to the report.

Anyone with additional information regarding the matter is asked to contact the Montville Township Police Department.

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