The theft of about $200 from a staff member at the Barack H. Obama School in Asbury Park saddened Asbury Park Education Association President John Napolitani.
“It’s such a shame, especially to do that to this woman. She’s such a conscientious worker. She tries to get staff involved in everything,” he said.
Napolitani did not mention the staff member by name but said it is a para-professional at the school who was outside monitoring recess when the theft occurred.
The woman had collected money for APEA’s annual holiday celebration which took place Friday, December 18 at a local restaurant.
“They took advantage of her,” Napolitani said.
He said the woman does not know who might have taken the money.
“She doesn’t have a clue, we can’t specluate,” he said.
But in the spirit of the season, Napolitani said many of the APEA’s members called him right away after finding out what happened and offered to send small donations to cover the loss.
Police were called and responded, he said.