Woodland Hills School Board President Resigns After Theft Charges

Terri Lawson accused of misusing Rankin Borough credit card for personal purchases

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

The Woodland Hills School District announced that its board president, Terri Lawson, has resigned following charges of theft by deception, forgery, tampering with records, and access device fraud. Lawson is accused of charging nearly $10,000 in personal purchases on the Rankin Borough credit card while she was the borough manager.

Why it matters

The resignation of the school board president adds to the ongoing cloud of controversy surrounding the Woodland Hills School District, which has faced other leadership issues in recent years, including the administrative leave of the district superintendent.

The details

Police allege that Lawson used the Rankin Borough credit card to make personal purchases at various retailers, including Lowe's, Amazon, Giant Eagle, Walmart, and others. Lawson turned herself in to authorities last week, and her attorney said she denies the allegations. The school district says it will take action at a meeting to fill the board president vacancy.

  • Lawson is accused of the credit card misuse last year.
  • Lawson turned herself in to authorities last week.

The players

Terri Lawson

The former Woodland Hills School Board president who has been charged with theft by deception, forgery, tampering with records, and access device fraud for allegedly misusing a Rankin Borough credit card.

Woodland Hills School District

The school district where Lawson served as board president before resigning following the criminal charges.

Rankin Borough

The borough where Lawson previously served as manager and is accused of misusing the borough's credit card for personal purchases.

Joe Maluchnik

The Woodland Hills School District superintendent who was previously placed on administrative leave, which the district says is unrelated to any allegations of fund misuse.

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What’s next

The Woodland Hills School District says it will take action at a meeting Wednesday evening to fill the board president vacancy left by Lawson's resignation.

The takeaway

The resignation of the Woodland Hills School Board president amid criminal charges related to credit card misuse adds to the ongoing leadership challenges facing the district, raising questions about transparency and accountability within the school system.