FLORIDA COMPUTERS MISSING FROM SCHOOL SYSTEM: http://www.sun-herald.com/Newsstory.cfm?pubdate=052207&story=tp9ch11.htm&folder=NewsArchive2

School district missing $56,000 in equipment

Officials express concern, but say most items will turn up

Charlotte County school officials are trying to determine what happened to more than $50,000 in electronic equipment, which was reported missing or stolen last week.

An annual inventory found the district is missing about $56,000 in items ranging from network devices to television sets.

School Board Chairwoman Andrea Messina said any items that aren't present during the inventory have to be reported as missing or stolen.

'I'm always concerned when something turns up missing,' she said.

According to a Charlotte County Sheriff's Office report, the missing items include nine network devices, an overhead projector and seven computers. The equipment was reported missing during the district's annual inventory at The Academy and Charlotte Technical Center, totaling 39 items.

Mike Riley, Charlotte County Public Schools spokesman, said the district transfers property several times each year, and the paperwork can get misplaced. It's also possible the equipment could be misplaced.

However, Riley said he was alarmed by the total dollar amount reported missing.

'You hate to think someone stole that much stuff and got away with it,' he said. 'We're going to do everything to track it down.'

Messina said the

district has an inventory staff to keep tabs on equipment. The principals also track materials at each site.

"Many times, things turn up," she said.