An investigation was ongoing Wednesday into vandalism, presumably done by students, at Malibu High School, which will graduate its seniors next week.
The damage was done late Monday or early Tuesday, according to a statement issued Tuesday by school superintendent Antonio Shelton, who wrote that the vandalism was allegedly perpetrated by at least 40 current seniors and former students.
Campus video camera images confirmed the damage was done between 11 p.m. Monday and 2 a.m. Tuesday, he said.
Much of the damage was typical of mischievous students — eggs and flower thrown, toilet paper strewn, furniture put on the roof — but there was more serious damage as well. A golf cart was pushed down some stairs and overturned, exterior clocks were pulled down and damaged, explicit messages and inappropriate images were scrawled in spray paint, furniture was busted and classroom door locks were glued, he said.
Shelton also said 20 classrooms were inaccessible on Tuesday as a result. Some classes met in the school gym and library as a result of the vandalism, which will cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix, according to Shelton and a broadcast report.
“This behavior is completely unacceptable and negatively impacts the entire Malibu community,” he stated. “We expect our students to act as responsible members of our community, including in the week leading up to graduation.”
Those involved could face serious consequences, including the seniors due to graduate, according to the superintendent.
“Unfortunately, senior vandalism has occurred for more than 15 years at MHS,” Shelton wrote. “This is not a rite of passage. This is a crime that has consequences to all involved. It will not be tolerated.”
He said school officials are “collaborating closely with the sheriff’s Malibu-Lost Hills Station in an ongoing investigation and to identify those responsible.”
“All individuals found to be involved will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and education code,” according to Shelton. “This may include, but is not limited to, restitution for damages and the loss of senior privileges.”
He added that “it’s vital to address the underlying issues that may contribute to such behavior and reinforce the importance of respect for property and community.”
Anyone with information regarding the vandalism was urged to report it to the MHS administration or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Malibu/Lost Hills station at 818-878-1808.