Kagman school vandalized twice

Vandals twice victimized a school campus in Kagman this month, news that has alarmed parents and schoolchildren alike.
Saipan Tribune learned that Kagman Elementary School first fell victim to unidentified vandals on March 22. They deliberately damaged potted plants, water faucets, and littered the campus hallways. The second incident happened on Wednesday, April 2, causing further harm to the campus.

KagES Parents Teachers Association president Tony Magofna confirmed with Saipan Tribune yesterday what he described as a very alarming incident that, if not addressed, could result in more serious harm and damage not only to the school facilities but to the schoolchildren as well. KagES is home to 400 students from kindergarten to fifth grade.

Magofna said that PTA vice president Brenda Aguon informed him yesterday morning about the incident and that they plan to take up the matter at a parents’ assembly, which is tentatively set for next week.

Magofna appealed to the community to step up to the plate and assist the schools in making sure that these kinds of incidents do not happen again. He is asking members of the community to come forward if they have information about the vandalisms and to help keep watch over the school.

Saipan Tribune learned that KagES has a security guard during daytime. It is believed that the vandals forcibly entered the campus through an open back door that connects to the junior and senior high schools in the area.

In a check at the school yesterday, school staffer Louie Bautista confirmed the series of vandalism on campus this month. For the past 10 years, Bautista shared that the two successive incidents were the first to occur in many years. But these latest acts, he said, are somewhat “bigger” in terms of damage compared to past acts of vandalism.

From just flipping bulletin boards in the past, the vandals have now turned to damaging school plants, pots, and pipes, he said.

A staff and a KagES parent also shared their sentiments on these latest incidents.

“The manner that it was accomplished showed extreme dislike for the school and disrespect for the staff, students, and the community. Because not only did they cause damage to the various potted plants and water faucets, they also took the time [and effort] to spread dirt all over the walls and floors throughout the campus. As previously mentioned this is actually the second time in about two weeks this has occurred, demonstrating that the only possible motive for these individuals is hatred toward the school and an effort to vent imaginary animosity directed at KagES,” the parent said.

Saipan Tribune learned that the two incidents have been reported to the PSS central office and the Department of Public Safety.