Anchorage Schools Hit by Vandals

Six schools have been vandalized since the end of the school year

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By Lauren Maxwell
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Story Created: May 22, 2012 at 5:51 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 22, 2012 at 6:39 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - It’s a sad occurence that seems to happen every year. School gets out for the summer and the vandalism starts. Unfortunately, it has already hit Anchorage.

ASD security chief Gardner Cobb said at least six Anchorage schools were vandalized over the first weekend of summer vacation. Most of the damage was minimal: broken glass from BB guns and rocks.

But some of the acts were more serious.

At Romig Middle School someone broke through the windows of two portable buildings and stole computer equipment worth thousands of dollars.

The Anchorage School District said that’s money literally out the window.

The district spends an average of $200,000 to $300,000 a year repairing and replacing equipment due to vandalism. It’s money that comes from the district’s general fund budget and could be going towards the classroom or other programs.

One way the district is fighting back is with a program called “Camper Hosts” that allows people to camp out on school grounds in their motorhomes for the summer. Hosts keep an eye on the school in exchange for power and water provided by the district.

The district has about 70 hosts signed up for this summer, but said it could use more. Officials also encourage the public to call police if they spot anything that looks suspicious happening at a local school.
 

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Amy said on Friday, May 25 at 8:39 AM

I think the Schoold Council needs to consider security camera's...that work. I know our APD is busy, but Guardian who monitor's the schools alarm system can send out patrols too. This is so sad because our children are the ones who suffer. It really irritates me. I want to do something to prevent this. To those responsible who may be reading this, put yourself in those children's shoes (so to speak) when school start and they aren't able to play outside because the budget wasn't there to fix your damage. Or as a result of your actions, field trips or other activities have been cancelled or the price increased. Thanks, from the tax payer.

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Anonymous said on Wednesday, May 23 at 3:36 PM

why can't the feds work with the VA and ASD and keep summer school open and have security? too easy..

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Sounds like said on Tuesday, May 22 at 10:36 PM

Sounds like ASD needs a new security chief. 300 k a year is alot of security cameras on the outside of the biuldings. Fire the chief and hire a pro.

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richard said on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:31 PM

people wondering why there are layoffs in consideration. parents cant control thier own kids

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