A Pelham Elementary School aid accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the school’s “sunshine fund” waived her arraignment in Salem District Court, which was scheduled for Monday, July 14, at 8 a.m.

Lisa Harris, 50, of 50 Windham Road in Pelham, turned herself in to police after a warrant was issued for her arrest on Tuesday, June 17.

The fund, for which Harris was in charge of accounting, was set up by Pelham Elementary teachers. Teachers would contribute money to the fund, which is completely independent of the school district’s budget, to make special purchases such as cards and gifts for special occasions.

Superintendent Frank Bass explained most schools have similar funds which incorporate collections from teachers and staff for such purposes, including weddings and funerals.

“These are monies that teachers put aside. It’s a very normal system. Most schools have sunshine funds of some sort,” said Bass.

Since the donated money in the fund is separate from the school budget, the missing funds will not be reflected back onto taxpayers.

Pelham police allege that Harris, who has since been terminated from her position as an instructional aid at the school after 10 years on the job, transferred $4,600 from the sunshine fund into a Sovereign Bank account. When the account was about to be drawn upon for a purchase, school staff noticed some of the money was missing.

“We became aware of a discrepancy in the account when money was called on for a specific purpose, and then upon investigation we realized the discrepancies were significant, and the investigation went its course,” said Bass.

According to police, the school district reported the missing funds on May 22. Investigators reviewed the financial statements, and found that several transfers had been made out of the fund between May 16, 2007, and May 28, 2008.

Police then reviewed the Sovereign Bank records for the account the money was being transferred into, and found it to be in Harris’ name.

Harris is now facing a felony theft charge for which she could be sentenced to jail time, probation and fines. She is out on bail, and her trial has yet to be scheduled. Bass said the school district administration and staff, as well as Pelham Elementary teachers are shocked at Harris’ behavior, adding she was a well-liked employee by all accounts.

“It’s an unfortunate set of circumstances, and we’re very disappointed in what has occurred,” Bass said.