Vandalism found at elementary school
The Edith Bowen Laboratory School has reported vandalism to its front doors.
On Thursday, Sept. 23, the school reported scratches on three of the large glass windows on the front doors of the school, Utah State University Police Lt. Steve Milne said.
School principal Kaye Rhees said outside benches have had parts broken causing the edges to become rough. Rhees said the damage is typical of bikes and skateboards.
The windows have been a major cause of concern for the school which is preparing for a dedication Monday.
“The emblems on the window were the universal symbol of anarchy, the ‘A’ with a circle around it, an anti-government symbol. Other windows were just scratched,” Milne said.
Rhees said along with the financial burdens of the vandalism, the children attending Edith Bowen are also upset. She said they are worried bikes and skateboards will ruin the grass – making it muddy and unplayable – as well as continue to ruin the benches and other outdoor features.
“The children are angry, frustrated and hurt that while they are being careful of the plants and the property, others who are older and should know better are intentionally being disrespectful,” Rhees said.
Milne said the police are aware of the situation but have no particular leads in the case so far. Video cameras surround the school, Rhees said, and there are plans to press charges as soon as they find those responsible.
Rhees said she hopes for the help of those around campus.
“The police are increasing their watches but we need to ask for the collegiates to be aware and to be watchful when others are being inappropriate and destructive,” Rhees said.
Penalties for vandalism differ according to the amount of damage done, Milne said. Fewer than $300 in damages is a Class D misdemeanor and damages between $300-$1,000, a class A misdemeanor, he said. Both types of misdemeanors are usually accompanied by a fine, he said, and possible jail time if those responsible have a previous criminal record. Vandalism with damages more than $5,000 are a felony.
Milne said while vandalism is not an epidemic on the USU campus, it does occur and is not rare.
Milne said it’s not possible to eliminate vandalism completely because there will always be some people who don’t respect other’s property.
Guards around the clock are impossible, he said. However, everyday citizens can help by watching for suspicious behavior and reporting what they see.
The school plans on replacing the windows before Monday’s dedication, but Rhees said the benches will not be able to be repaired yet due to cost. The cost to replace the windows is at least $1,000, she said.
The dedication, hosted by the Emma Eccles Jones Center for Early Childhood Education and Edith Bowen Laboratory School, is for a new $12.5 million, 800,000 square foot facility providing the school with new classrooms for art, math, science and music education as well as a 400-seat auditorium.
The school, initially started in 1928 and affiliated with USU in 1958, provides its services to nearly 305 students from kindergarten to the fifth grade from Box Elder, Cache and Logan Counties.
Anyone with information about the vandalism on Edith Bowen property, or any other case, is encouraged to contact USU Police and will remain anonymous if requested.
-hilaryi@cc.usu.edu