Former School Association President Accused In $400K Theft Scheme

SAN JOSE, CA — The former president of a school association is accused of grand theft and forgery following nearly a year of investigation in San Jose, according to police.

Detectives in the city's Financial Crimes Unit began investigating in July after receiving an online report about a potential theft from the Schallenberger Home and School Association (SHSA), which supports enrichment programs for students at Schallenberger Elementary School.

According to police, the investigation revealed a series of suspicious transactions linked to the organization's president, Tayesa Knight, between 2019 and 2023. Detectives allege Knight wrote at least 45 fraudulent checks to herself, under the guise of reimbursements, totaling more than $400,000.

Detectives arrested Knight on Tuesday in San Jose and booked her into the Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of grand theft and forgery.

"San Jose Unified prides itself on the pillars of honesty and integrity, and we take any allegations that run counter to those values very seriously," the district said in a statement. "We look forward to working closely with the District Attorney's Office and other law enforcement officials as they carry out their duties."