THUNDER BAY — The Lakehead District Public School Board says it's concerned about the increasing rate of after-hours vandalism at Nor'wester View Public School on Mountain Road.
In a statement Friday, the board said vandalism is creating safety hazards for students and staff, as well as having a "significant" impact on the school's maintenance and custodial budgets.
"It is an extremely frustrating experience for the staff...who take great pride in ensuring the school is safe and clean for all students and staff," said Jim Desaulniers, manager of Property Services at Lakehead Public Schools.
Desaulniers told Tbnewswatch much of the vandalism involves spray-painted graffiti and broken glass.
He said there's also a lot of garbage and paraphernalia being left behind, including some "more disgusting" things, but he declined to provide specifics.
"Typical things that kids leave behind if they're partying," Desaulniers added.
The vandalism has been reported to Thunder Bay Police, and the board has asked its private security company to increase patrols around the school.
Board officials are also asking members of the public with information about the vandalism to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
Nor'wester View is one of the most modern elementary schools in the public system, having opened in 1996.
Desaulniers said it's relatively isolated location is one of the reasons vandalism may be more prevalent.
"There's no houses around. It's a very vulnerable site," he said.
