Vandals broke windows, set a fire in a library, destroyed computers and other equipment at four schools in the Amphitheater district over the weekend, officials said.
The schools that sustained most damage were Amphitheater Middle School, 315 E. Prince Road, and Prince Elementary School, 125 E. Prince Road, said Amy Sharpe, a district spokeswoman. Both these schools were broken into some time late Saturday, Oct. 28, into Sunday, Oct. 29, Sharpe said.
Vandalism also occurred at Amphitheater High School, 125 W. Yavapai Road, and the Rillito Center, 266 E. Pastime Road, Sharpe said. She said the vandalism occurred at these two schools Oct. 29 into Oct. 30.
Officials do not yet have a damage amount. Β
The vandals caused significant damage to the shared middle- and elementary-schools' library by setting a fire, destroying computers, equipment and smashing nearly 40 windows at the campuses, said Sharpe.
The library sustained smoke damage and computer monitors and other materials were destroyed in the computer laboratory, she said.
Staff and students will not have access to the library for at least eight weeks while crews work to restore and replace damaged equipment and materials.
The schools will have other accommodations in place for activities that were held in the library. All classes are being held as scheduled, said Sharpe.
Vandalism at the Rillito Center, which serves special needs students, were contained to an exterior water fountain and shattered windows at the main entrance. A security guard booth at Amphitheater High School sustained damage, said Sharpe, adding she had no further details about vandalism at the high school.
Tucson police are investigating the vandalism, and district officials ask that anyone with information call 911 or 88-CRIME, an anonymous tipster hotline.
