Vandalism in the boys’ restrooms have caused headaches for all, including students, especially those who have no involvement with this vandalism. Concern over this problem has grown increasingly high after reports from students and custodians alike, and the administration has begun taking more preventative measures.

According to Assistant Principal Christopher Bittner, although these problems have persisted for years, they have recently escalated to a higher level than he’s ever seen. He has experience in four county high schools.

“Although vandalism occurs in all schools, this is absolutely the highest degree of it I have ever seen personally,” said Bittner.

Since the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year, the staff has taken greater measures to prevent any more vandalism. One of these measures, implemented this year, is room specific bathroom passes, which prevent more than two students from one class from leaving at any given time and the classroom logs which help to track students leaving class too frequently.

This year, students have caused havoc in the men’s restrooms by removing sinks and stall dividers, flooding toilets, and strewing anything from toilet paper to food on the floors and walls.

As a result, bathrooms are now only open in certain parts of the school. In early November, staff members volunteered to sit outside the bathrooms and have students sign in and out each time they use the restroom. The preventative measures being taken by faculty have become a nuisance to staff and interfere with their already busy schedules.

Senior Sam Downs said “I propose that we change our bathroom procedure, because it’s ridiculous that teachers have to sit outside bathrooms and police kids who are breaking things in the bathrooms.”

Along with the hassle to staff, students are left walking around the school in an attempt to find a bathroom which is open. The goal of the administration is not to prohibit access to the restrooms. Some of the actions taken which are causing a hassle are necessary.

Senior Corynne Lovewell said “I believe the vandalism was very immature and without any cause, and I think it’s annoying for girls to have to walk around the entire school in an attempt to find a bathroom. I believe that the girls’ bathrooms should remain unlocked, and [girls] should not be punished as a result of the vandalism.”

In the case that a student is caught vandalizing a bathroom, the progressive punishment system in place will result in anything from an after school detention to a suspension based on the severity of the damage done, and whether it is a repeated offense. Along with their detention or suspension, anyone caught has to pay for the repairs.

The damages done to the bathrooms are a more serious incident than most people realize, but staff and students alike hope that the issue is resolved in the near future.

If you have proof of who is causing the vandalism, please share it promptly with an administrator.