School campus vandalized

Police are investigating an incident at the Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School campus after a firearm was used to shoot out several exterior lights.

Maintenance staff were repairing lights around the building last week when they noticed the vandalism. Bullet casings were found nearby.

The schools are located on rural Washougal River Road and share a campus. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, which is estimated to have occurred prior to Nov. 14.

“The district is very concerned and we will work with the sheriff’s office to hold accountable the person or persons responsible,” stated a letter, which was sent home to parents on Nov. 21. “To the best of our knowledge, no students or staff were on campus when this occurred.”

Security cameras are located in the area that the vandalism occurred, and the district is considering upgrades in the future at all schools. Improving safety is also a focus of the upcoming 2014 local option levy.

“We are always looking at ways that we can improve our current security systems,” said Dawn Tarzian, superintendent. “Our first priority is to the school days and hours when students, staff and community use of our facilities is occurring.”

She added that the district is also considering locking the gate to limit access to the building during non-school hours, but is weighing that with the impact to the community.

“Our community has appreciated access to the playground and covered structure, and so we have worked to make them accessible during non-school hours,” she said.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 509-427-9490.