DURHAM, N.C. — Tens of thousands of dollars meant to benefit students at Hillside High School could be missing. Four booster clubs, which raised money for the students, are under investigation because they will not tell school leaders where the money is.

Most every school needs all the financial help it can get. So when Hillside's new principal took over last June, she started checking into the school's financial accountability.

What Eunice Sanders found troubled her and Durham Public School leaders.

"Quite frankly, we've received limited response from most of the groups for the information that we've asked for. Which is, as I indicated, for detailed financial records," said Hank Hurd, assistant superintendent.

The four groups in question are parent support organizations for the school's athletic, drama, band and dance booster clubs.

Dixon Odom PLLC, an independent accounting firm,

issued a report

outlining numerous infractions including: "providing woefully inadequate documentation that raises serious questions concerning significant dollar amounts."

The significant dollar amounts could be tens of thousands of dollars or more.

In a statement Sanders said, "To even entertain the idea that adults might have misappropriated dollars generated from the hard work and talent of students is appalling."

"I don't have the specific knowledge of parents being involved; however, what we're saying is supply the records to remove the questions that have been raised," Sanders said.

School leaders said they will take legal action if necessary.