From computers and smartboards to pianos and calculators, taxpayer-funded equipment across the School District of Philadelphia “could not be located,” according to a new report obtained by the NBC10 Investigators. The findings are detailed in the Philadelphia City Controller’s annual audit of the district, which included testing the department’s inventory controls and reviewing records for taxpayer-funded equipment. “It was pretty alarming, especially in the environment that we’re in,” City Controller Christy Brady said. “They’re asking the city for money, they are strapped for resources, and they need to do a better job accounting for the resources that have already been paid for.” The controller’s office selected 147 items from inventory records at 10 schools. Of those, 96 items totaling nearly $300,000 could not be located, according to the audit. The unaccounted-for inventory ranges from audio-visual equipment and classroom tools to cafeteria tables and musical instruments, including at least three pianos identified during on-site visits last summer. Brady said Board of Education policy requires the district to track school property, including its location and whether the item was removed or sold. From computers and Smartboards to pianos and calculators, taxpayer-funded equipment across the School District of Philadelphia is unaccounted for, according to a new report the NBC10 Investigators obtained. At Constitution High School, the controller’s office could not locate a $4,700 printer. At Morton Elementary School, the unaccounted-for items included a $3,000 set of virtual reality headsets. And at Masterman High School, a $1,500 grand piano was among the inventory listed. “It could be a problem with mis-tagging,” Brady said, adding that the district is supposed to document each item using a unique identification number and asset-management system. “It could be walking, especially computer equipment. Any audiovisual or computer equipment. I mean, we definitely want to pick things that could walk.” Brady used the term “walking” to describe the missing assets, saying some may no longer be where district records indicate they should be. The audit does not determine what happened to the items or where they may be. Instead, it classifies them as “could not be located.” “I can’t say it’s unlikely. I don’t want to think it’s likely,” Brady said about the unaccounted assets. “It’s just not there.” From computers and Smartboards to pianos and calculators, taxpayer-funded equipment across the School District of Philadelphia is unaccounted for, according to a new report the NBC10 Investigators obtained. In addition to the unaccounted items, auditors also located dozens of items that were not listed in inventory records. In a letter, the district responded to the audit, saying it “recognizes the need to strengthen accountability and accuracy” and that some items may be “obsolete” or “disposed of.” “We don’t have widespread instances of pianos walking out of buildings; let me assure you of that,” Dr. Tony Watlington, the superintendent of schools, told the NBC10 Investigators. Watlington and his staff stressed the audit found no major deficiencies and made no allegations of theft. Deputy Superintendent for Operations Oz Hill said efforts are underway to strengthen inventory tracking and accountability for school property. The unaccounted-for inventory ranges from audio-visual equipment and classroom tools to cafeteria tables and musical instruments, including at least three pianos from on-site visits last summer. “It’s a comprehensive effort that we’ve undertaken,” Hill said. “It begins with the upgrading of all of our electronic surveillance systems as well as our access control systems and the refurbishment of our exterior door entries.” “One thing we are continuing to improve is our inventory management,” Watlington said. “There’s no audit that says we have widespread theft, so I want to be really clear about that.” Several parents who spoke on and off camera said that while the missing inventory was concerning, the district’s overall financial challenges and the possibility of future school closures were more troubling. “A lot of concern with accountability across the board so, it’s not too surprising,” said parent Monica Weeks. “Surprised, because you’re hoping for accountability.” School district leaders stressed the audit found no major deficiencies and made no allegations of theft. “It just seems unlikely that there’s huge fraud and stealing out there,” parent Sarah Burgess said. “That’s not where my mind goes.” Brady said she hopes the district takes additional steps to improve inventory tracking so taxpayers can be confident equipment purchased with public money is properly accounted. “We don’t know, but that’s why we go out and look because that helps keep people accountable,” Brady said. Brady’s office could not estimate the total number of unaccounted-for items in the district because that was outside the scope of the audit. There are more than 200 schools in the district. In addition to the findings involving the district’s assets, the audit also found more than 200 inactive student activity fund accounts totaling nearly $200,000 and outstanding employee termination payments totaling more than $2 million. The school district provided a statement to the NBC10 Investigators regarding the audit:“The School District of Philadelphia is pleased that the city controller’s FY 2025 audit resulted in an unmodified (clean) audit opinion and identified no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. This marks more than a decade of consecutive clean audit opinions, with no material findings, reflecting the district’s strong commitment to fiscal stewardship, transparency, and accountability. The district’s financial reporting excellence has also been recognized annually by both the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) through its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International through its Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting. Although the audit did not identify any material weaknesses or deficiencies in a $5 billion annual budget, we appreciate the city controller’s partnership and have agreed with all recommendations outlined in the audit. The district has already developed corrective action plans and made progress to address each recommendation. To strengthen record keeping and inventory management, the district has implemented centralized oversight, inventory audits, staff training, enhanced accountability measures, and improved asset-tracking procedures. We will continue working to improve our processes, strengthen accountability, and make sure public dollars are managed wisely and responsibly. This audit reflects the progress we have made as we work to deliver the highest level of service to our students and families.” Auditors are back in schools this summer performing similar searches, Brady said. The district did not respond when asked if the unaccounted items were located. ...read more read less