Des Moines Independent Community School District Finds Lost "Treasure"

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State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald presents Superintendent Tom Ahart and Principal Leslie Timmerman with a check from the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt

DES MOINES, IA (07/02/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald was pleased to present a check for nearly $66,000 from the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt to Superintendent Thomas Ahart of Des Moines Public Schools at Smouse Opportunity School in Des Moines on Tuesday. "We are all partners in ensuring that we take care of our students and teachers," Fitzgerald said. "I am happy to get this money back into the hands of Superintendent Ahart and the Des Moines Independent Community School District."

Treasurer Fitzgerald encourages all Iowans to check the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt website at greatiowatreasurehunt.com for forgotten treasures. "We have over a million names in our database with over 197,000 of them in Polk County alone," said Fitzgerald. "Unclaimed property isn't just for individuals. I encourage people to search for their local churches, schools, and businesses."

"In public education, we cannot afford to leave any stone unturned in making the best use of our resources in educating our students and supporting our teachers," said Superintendent Ahart. "We appreciate this effort by Treasurer Fitzgerald and the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, and hope it is a reminder to other public entities to check for unclaimed property."

Corporations, business associations, financial institutions and companies across the nation report millions of dollars in unclaimed property to the state treasurer each year. Common examples of unclaimed property include money in forgotten savings and checking accounts, uncashed insurance benefit and payroll checks, lost stock and dividends, abandoned safe deposit box contents, gift cards, utility refunds or deposits.

Go to greatiowatreasurehunt.com to search for your treasure today.

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