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VOL. 28 | NUM. 36
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NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | NORTHERN VIRGINIA MEDIA SERVICES
Second PTO leader faces charges of embezzlement
Stafford to open inclusive playground
TRACY BELL
tbell@insidenova.com
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second person who once led Moncure Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization has been charged for her alleged part in an embezzlement scheme. Marcie Heather Slack, a former PTO president at the school, was direct indicted Nov. 6 on 12 felony counts that include embezzlement, forgery, obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy/aiding and abetting a larceny, according to Stafford County Circuit Court records. Slack is accused of assisting colleague Emily Fallon, who later became a Stafford County School Board member, in stealing money from the school and covering up the evidence. Slack is accused of taking about $2,500 and knowingly assisting Fallon in hiding financial transactions. Slack was removed from the PTO in the fall of 2014 for improper handling of finances. After other members of the PTO noticed serious monetary discrepancies, the Stafford County Sheriff ’s Office and office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney began to investigate Fallon and Slack. Fallon, who served three terms as PTO president at Moncure, was sentenced in October to serve a year in prison for embezzling more than $23,400 from the school. She has since repaid the money. Fallon was elected to the school board in November 2015 but abruptly left in late April this year amid a criminal investigation. She cited medical problems as her reason for leaving but was arrested several days later on embezzlement charges.
An artist’s rendering of the new playground. SUBMITTED
Ceremony set for this Saturday TRACY BELL
tbell@insidenova.com
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playground designed to be accessible to all children and adults, regardless of ability, will have its opening Saturday at Stafford’s Chichester Park. Stafford County, in conjunction with Stafford County Public Schools, will hold a ceremony at 2 p.m. to open the $170,000 inclusive playground. “Our board was happy to fund this project as it will accommodate those with special needs as well as parents and grandparents who might have disabilities, allowing all family members to play
together and be active.” said Robert Thomas, chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors. “We also welcome opportunities to partner with our schools to make our community a better home for everyone.” Special-guest students will provide assistance at the grand-opening ceremony. Vendors including the Stafford County Parent Resource Center, the DisAbility Resource Center, Special Olympics, Ainsley’s Angels and the Stafford County Parent Teacher Association will also offer resources to families at the event. The idea for the inclusive playground was born through Alexa and Rob Harris, parents of fourthgrade Falmouth Elementary School student Nathanael Harris. The couple had always searched for ways that their son, who has
special needs, could better participate in events and be included in his community. So, Alexa Harris, along with a team of teachers and physical therapists, formed an unofficial playground committee to pursue the idea of an inclusive playground in Stafford. From there, the idea made its way to Stafford’s school board and board of supervisors. “This is a wonderful way to serve more of our students and families,” said Holly Hazard, chairman of the Stafford County School Board. “I am very proud of our staff for taking the initiative on this and appreciative to the board of supervisors and parks personnel for making it a reality.” The new inclusive playground is located at 125 Ralph Williams Drive in Falmouth.
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