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School(Continued From Page A-I) Kcontinuing problems with vandalism over the years, but generally the destructive nature has been to school grounds rather than the facility itself. Walkersville High has been the exception, as well as old Middletown HighVandals have been breaking out the windows of the old school, on which renovation is to begin shortly to convert it into a middle school. Damage here may be slight or of the “nuisance value, except for the damage inclement weather can do to the inside of the structure.“We have asked the (Middletown) citizens who live in the area to keep an eye on the school campus,” Felton said, “and to call the State Police if they see anyone destroying property. As yet, we’ve had no success in pinning down any particular individuals.“However, we would like to catch one and make him pay for it (the damage), which is an expense to the taxpayers of the county. If we do catch anyone, we (the Board of Education) fully intend to take severe disciplinary action and prosecute.”Felton explained the minimum penalty insisted upon is for the -individual or individuals to pay the damages.Has school vandalism increased over past years?“I wouldn’t say there has been a vast increase in vandalism of school piupeuy, out., in uie last mourn, we vt had a number of incidents that have been fairly serious,” he said. “Maybe it’s sheer coincidence, but we have no reason to believe it has been any worse than in past years.”Over the years, there always has been trouble with people driving their cars on school lawns and athletic fields, attempting to drive across them and bogging down, particularly in the winter months when the ground is soft and the most damage can be done.Also, there has been a couple of cases when individuals had to leave their cars on the school property, were identified by their car still on the premises and were prosecuted.Felton pointed out that vandalism “is almost routine in that it always happens somewhere. No school is exempt. It seems to strike all areas over a period of time.”Compared to a metropolitan area, however, “we really don’t have a problem,” Felton said, emphasizing “we’ve had practically no damage to the schools in the city, most of the vandalism is at county schools. ”There is no sure-cut way to halt these wanton acts, outside of providing custodial service in the schools, and that becomes very expensive.“This would be the simplest way, •Felton said, “but, economically speaking, you’re getting into a situation where 'any move you take to get corrective action, the question arises as to whether the cure isn't worse than the disease.The probable minimum cost to provide protective service would be $15,000 to $20,000 a year. Since repair expense is difficult to budget, there is not a fund specifically earmarked to handle vandalism, so it is included under maintainence.“Vandalism is one of those nagging ! things that always is with you, Felton continued, “with some teenagers at an age where they tend to be irresponsible.“As for the ruining of the shrubbery at Middletown High, we regret it, since it certainly shows a lack of respect. Certainly, there’s the intrinsic value of the thing in that the money was collected and the shrubbery was donated by the class as a gift to the school.“But. it also is one of those things where the money value is not the main issue, but the attitude of the person who did the damage is the worrisome thing, Felton concluded.The Middletown High graduate, who definitely believes putting an end to such acts of vandalism is the business of everyone, summed it up the best in the letter:“The people who do these deeds of vandalism must he sick. Even if they do 'hate school, they should not destroy the hard work of their classmates and other respectable citizens of this county.“They do not realize that their school days are the best days of their lives. Someday, when they are the ones whose property has been vandalized, they will realize what it means and how it does affect those involved. But. by then, it is too late for those affected today.”
Newspaper Details
The Frederick News Post
Frederick, Maryland, US
Fri, Jan 17, 1975
Page 18
Full Page
Clipped by
Joyce G.
USA 17 May 2025
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