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State Comptroller Critical of Pornography on School Computers in Buffalo

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli

By Joyce Kryszak

Buffalo, NY – State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released a scathing audit Tuesday detailing inappropriate use of Buffalo school district computers. One of them was issued to School Board President Ralph Hernandez.

The audit found nearly half of the 47 laptop computers audited contained pornographic images, as well as evidence of personal business and visits to gambling and social networking web sites. The computer issued to Hernandez contained seven adult pornographic images. Another board member admits to using his district laptop for personal banking. Two other board members had district laptops that were wiped clean before the audit. DiNapoli called it suspicious.

The audit recommends policy changes to tighten security, but does not make any criminal allegations or call for disciplinary action. DiNapoli says that's up to the district. No action appears likely.

District officials declined an interview, but issued a written response. They say the report included only "anecdotal, sensationalized evidence" gathered from a fraction of the district's more than ten thousand computers. Hernadez did not return calls to WBFO. But in the same written statement, Hernandez denied any inappropriate use of his district laptop. Two other board members also defended their use of the computers. Six of the laptops with inappropriate materials were issued to students.

DiNapoli says better monitoring of data also is needed. The audit found that the district paid out 51 thousand dollars in health insurance premiums to six deceased employees. District officials called it a minuscule failure rate.

Click the audio player above to hear Joyce Kryszak's story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.