CLEARFIELD – Due to recurring vandalism at Girard-Goshen Elementary, the Clearfield Area School District Board of Directors authorized Superintendent Richard C. Makin to issue an award of up to $500 to those whom provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible individuals.
During his report Monday night, Rick Bunning, director of buildings and grounds, presented photos to the board of recent property damage at the school. Likely overnight, he said someone tore up the athletic fields while operating an all-terrain vehicle on the premises. He said both he and Makin recently examined the damage to the property.
According to Bunning, they had a similar vandalism problem last summer. He said it then prompted them to contact the Clearfield State Police. However, he said the troopers indicated they couldn’t move forward with a case unless the perpetrators were identified by school officials.
Bunning said the property, which was damaged, was a wide open area. He said it would be difficult and expensive to fence in the open field. In the past, he said they have attempted to block entrance to the property.
“We have a bigger problem now,” Bunning told the board. He said he’s currently waiting for “No Trespassing” signs to be printed for placement on school property.
“We’ve only been able to identify (perpetrators) by clothing and ATV. We can’t do much unless someone has seen them, or without someone confessing.”
Board member Jennifer Wallace inquired about the district’s liability if someone was hurt on the property.
Solicitor Aimee Willett said she believed they’d have a “good case” in an incident of trespassing. She said she didn’t believe they’d be found liable if measures were taken to keep individuals off school property.
Bunning indicated they didn’t have an estimate for total damage.
