Four children have been accused of trashing a Lewiston school over the weekend.
The children broke into the Longley Elementary School, which is now being used for the district’s adult education program, over the weekend, according to Lewiston School Committee member Janet Beaudoin.
One was 14 years old, two were 12 years old and one was 10 years old, the Lewiston Sun Journal reported. They were each charged with burglary and aggravated criminal mischief, both felonies.
Photos showed office equipment and appliances smashed, overturned and destroyed. Student artwork was defaced. Spray paint also was all over the walls and the floors.
Four children have been accused of vandalism at the former Longley Elementary School in Lewiston. Credit: Courtesy of Janet Beaudoin via CBS 13
“Vandalism hurts beyond property. The spaces at Longley are home to inspiration, community, and pathways. Disheartening yes, but the outpouring of support, volunteers to help, quick action of LPD, and more we’ll make it better than we found it,” Lewiston Superintendent Jake Langlais said in a tweet.
Assistant Lewiston Superintendent Karen Paquette said she was shocked when she arrived to see the damage.
“We have to remember that this was done by individuals, and it doesn’t represent us as a community,” Paquette said. “We have to remember that this building is special to people, to the community and to students who have spent hours here learning and growing.”
Paquette said the mess will take a while to clean-up, so the school system is coming up with a plan.
The building sustained an estimated $100,000 in damages, according to the Sun Journal.
Correction: A previous version of this story had the incorrect age for one of the children.