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We found a West Sacramento school district $1,500. Here's how!

Local governments can recoup unclaimed checks after three years. One check for $1,500 stood out to me.

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Do you ever wonder if there's money out there — in your name — for the taking?

The city of Davis writes thousands of checks a year. Most are cashed, but over the last three years, about 60 checks remained unclaimed. State law gives municipalities like Davis the ability to recoup these unclaimed dollars after three years, assuming no one comes forward.

"I don't know why someone would get a check and then three follow-up letters that says 'we sent you money,' and let that go," Diane Parro, Director of Business and Community Engagement with Davis, said.

The Davis City Council approved more than $5,000 in unclaimed check revenue July 31, 2018, which also included a $1,500 check made out to Washington Unified School District in West Sacramento.

Curious if it was a mistake, we reached out to the district. They called the city to have the check, which dates back to 2015, reissued. The money involves the Obama administration's Race to the Top program, which you might remember gave states grants for education reform.

Parro said she's glad the district got their money, which will go back into the district's general fund, according to district spokesman Giorgos Kazanis.

Washington Unified's first day back to school is set for Wednesday.

See if you might have an unclaimed check in Davis here:

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