[wireties]

Good luck with the transition, it sounds like it may be difficult. Are you no longer associated with the school? Or just with this teacher?

I cannot answer for your school. But if that happened in our district everything bought or donated would belong to the district. And not just the tools but the balance in the bank account (if it is school-related and not an incorporated booster club) also! Whether or not the items and monies "belong" to a specific class or department would be up to the principal. The principal allocates assets but the district owns assets - hope that makes sense.

I would approach the principal with a simple plan to share the tools and resources between the old teacher and the club. Be professional and be nice. If you have another teacher or a prominent member of the local community, preferably a sponsor, involved that will help. I feel sure the principal can do anything he/she wants and that no teacher or department "owns" anything - that would be unusual.

Good Luck!