The Carlton, New York, School Board is facing a budget crunch. Either the arts program or sports will have to be eliminated, and Molly Masters’ father is one of the board members who will cast a deciding vote. Sylvia Greene, an unpopular board member, has hinted that she has incriminating information about one of the board members that she will reveal if the vote doesn’t go her way. When Ms. Greene is poisoned at a meeting, Molly’s father is the prime suspect, and Molly must work to prove his innocence.