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PWEA Trusteeship
What Happened?
The Prince William Education Association was put into trusteeship following an independent audit by a neutral third party accounting firm, Calibre CPA Group. PWEA leadership agreed to this audit.
Trusteeship is a temporary oversight designed to restore proper governance and protect member assets.
The audit conducted by Calibre CPA Group revealed severe financial mismanagement at PWEA, including:
Critical Financial Depletion:
PWEA had only $89,000 in available cash as of May 2025 – representing just two months of operating expenses.
Reserve Depletion:
Over $800,000 in member reserves were depleted between February 2023 and May 2025, despite dues increases and proceeds from a building sale totaling $780,000.
Excessive and Uncontrolled Spending:
$870,000 in credit card expenditures over 22 months with minimal oversight, including $213,000 on hotels, $119,000 on restaurants and bars, and $23,000 on alcohol purchases.
Governance Failures:
Board meeting minutes were materially altered to conceal approved financial policies, and over 500 transactions lacked required supporting documentation.
Where We Are Now
Over the past year, we have accomplished what many thought impossible: we have rebuilt PWEA from the ground up. Through careful stewardship, dedicated work, and an unwavering commitment to our members, we have restored financial stability, strengthened our operations, and returned to our core mission—advocating for educators and students in Prince William County.
Operational Excellence Restored
- Organized Infrastructure: We have organized files and supplies, creating efficient systems that allow us to serve members effectively. We secured rental storage space to fully utilize all offices at PWEA, maximizing our physical resources.
- Financial Accountability: All outstanding bills have been paid. We have organized finances and established new accounts with proper controls and oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Policy Review and Modernization: We have comprehensively reviewed all PWEA policies and documents and are currently working on necessary revisions to align with best practices and legal requirements.
- Technology Upgrades: We installed a new copier and implemented a new phone system, modernizing our communication infrastructure to better serve our members.
Staffing and Professional Support
- Full-Time Administrative Support: We hired a full-time Administrative Assistant, ensuring consistent professional support for all PWEA operations and member services.
- Uniserv Directors and Organizers: Our professional staff are back in the office and actively engaged with members, providing the expertise and support that educators deserve.
Member Services and Advocacy
- Site Visits: We are actively organizing site visits to schools throughout Prince William County, ensuring direct connection between PWEA leadership and members on the ground.
- Joint Labor-Management Committee (JLMC): JLMC meetings have been reinstated, reopening critical channels of communication and collaboration with Prince William County Public Schools administration.
- Grievances and Arbitrations: We are actively settling overdue grievances and arbitrations, ensuring that members receive the representation they are entitled to under our contract.
- Ongoing Issues and Grievances: We are handling current workplace issues and grievances promptly, with professional expertise and member-focused advocacy.
Member Engagement and Capacity Building
- Building Representative Training: We are conducting comprehensive Building Rep trainings, empowering workplace leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively represent their colleagues.
- Ad Hoc Organizing and Membership Committee: We appointed an Ad Hoc Organizing and Membership Committee to develop strategies for growing and strengthening our membership base.
- Member Organizer Program: Through a NEA Grant, we have organized and trained Member Organizers who are working directly with their colleagues to build union power and engagement.
It's Your Union!
The work of the past year has been transformative. We have moved from crisis management to organizational renewal. PWEA is now positioned not just to survive, but to thrive as a strong, member-focused union that effectively advocates for educators and students.
As we look to the future, our priorities remain clear: continue building member engagement, strengthen our organizing capacity, advocate forcefully for better working conditions and student learning conditions, and ensure that PWEA operates with the highest standards of financial accountability and democratic governance.
YOU are your union! It is up to every member to engage in union organizing so that we can continue to improve Prince William County Schools for everyone- staff, students, parents, and the community!