A long-serving Shelby Elementary cafeteria worker has lost her job after an emotional hearing over her efforts to raise money for the school’s PTO lunch fund.

Related: Shelby County cafeteria worker faces termination after raising donations for student lunches

ABC33/40 reported that on Monday night, after a six-hour deliberation, the Shelby County School Board voted to terminate Avette Dunn, citing concerns over her handling of donations and honesty with administrators.

What Led to Dunn’s Termination?

The school district argued that Dunn, while well-intentioned, acted outside her role by soliciting donations for the PTO lunch fund without proper approval. Officials pointed out that:

• The fund was not in immediate need of donations.
• She was not authorized to collect money on the school’s behalf.
• She initially denied accepting donations and later asked the donor to withhold information when questioned.

Dunn’s Side of the Story

Dunn, along with her supporters, pushed back on the decision, saying she was only trying to help. They noted that:

• The PTO fund was running low, and she saw an opportunity to support it.
• Teachers often raise money for supplies without formal training or approval.
• She was honoring the donor’s request to remain anonymous.
• When confronted, fear got the best of her, leading to her initial misstep in denying the donations.

The Board’s Decision

During the hearing, board members questioned Dunn on key points—whether the fund had ever run out (she confirmed it had not) and why she had been untruthful (she explained it was out of fear and a desire to protect the donor).

Despite eight years of positive work evaluations, the district maintained that financial honesty was a non-negotiable responsibility, leading them to vote for her dismissal.

The Larger Debate

Dunn’s case has sparked conversations about how schools handle fundraising and whether the punishment fits the situation. Some feel the decision was too harsh for someone acting out of concern for students, while others argue that financial transparency is critical in any school setting.

Speaking at the hearing, Dunn expressed her regret.

“I made a mistake, and I think I should be able to go back to my job,” she said. “In my opinion, I should have just been suspended for two weeks, but I’ve been off since October.”

School officials have emphasized that no child at Shelby Elementary has ever been denied lunch, ensuring that students’ needs continue to be met.

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].