Within a span of only five weeks, the special education preschool classroom at Castaic Middle School has been vandalized twice–what district officials are calling “malicious mischief.”

In late January, the special education preschool classroom at Castaic Middle School was vandalized with fire extinguishers and food smeared on the walls. A couple of weeks ago, between Feb. 21 and 24, the same classroom was hit a second time, according to Castaic Union School District officials.

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District Spokeswoman Lisa Bloom called it a case of “malicious mischief” that again involved fire extinguishers and food and toys scattered around the room.

Related Article: Castaic Middle School: Attempted Arson, Vandalism Being Investigated

No classroom supplies were permanently damaged in the incident.

“Only cleanup was required, which is how it was the previous time,” Bloom said. “…The kids were back in the classroom the next day.”

It is the fourth in a recent spate of vandalism incidents to hit the district since Christmas break. Three of the incidents involved trashing classrooms, once at Castaic Elementary School and twice at Castaic Middle School.

Thieves also stole the tires off of five buses in the district bus yard in January, causing more than $6,300 in damage. This incident is not believed to be related to the others, said Director of Facilities Jaime Garcia

Related Article: Castaic Elementary School Music Classroom Vandalized

District officials took immediate action to secure the perimeter of the bus yard after the tires were stolen, Garcia said.

But as far as the classrooms are concerned, the district hasn’t taken any extra security measures beyond reminding teachers and custodial staff to not leave their rooms unlocked.

“We’re just making sure that all windows and doors are locked…” Bloom said. “They just aren’t sure how people are getting in, but we’re reminding people to lock doors and windows.”

It appears to be the same vandal(s) each time, Bloom said.

“The Sheriff’s (Department is) working on it,” she said, “so hopefully they’ll find out who’s doing it.”

Anyone with information about these incidents can contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at 661-255-1121.

Related Article: Castaic Union School District Vandalism Causes $6,300 In Damage

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