An Independent Monthly Newspaper Serving the Community since 1988

Placitas Elementary School targeted by holiday burglars

—Margaret M. Nava, Signpost

The Placitas Elementary School was broken into during the recent winter vacation. According to Principal Dan MacEachen, the administration area, library, computer lab, and After School Care room all sustained some damage.

“Two flat screen color TV monitors were taken from the library, numerous DVD movies were taken from the After School Care room, and a digital camera and laptop computer were stolen from the computer lab.” The Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the crime.

Although this is the first burglary at any school in the Bernalillo Public School (BPS) District in several years, school vandalism has increased over the years and incidents like this are a reminder that security is an important safeguard. Children are the future, so when it comes to their safety, parents and school officials have a duty to protect them. However, while all of the Bernalillo School District schools comply with state-mandated fire safety codes, not all are equipped with security alarm systems.

BPS Superintendent Barbara Vigil-Lowder stated that the district is moving into its annual budget period during which school principals present their needs. Each school request or recommendation will be assessed and costed and then presented to the Board for consideration. Superintendent Vigil-Lowder said, “This [break-in] is a direct violation against the school and the parents and students it serves. We will work closely with the authorities to get this resolved. And, although no decision has been made about a new alarm system, the district will explore additional safety measures at this site and throughout the district.”

Parents may attend the monthly PTO meetings to discuss their concerns or contact Placitas Elementary School Principal Dan MacEachen at (505) 867-2488 or BPS Superintendent Vigil-Lowder at (505) 867-2317 for more information.

TOP OF PAGE

Ad Rates  Back Issues  Contact Us  Front Page  Up Front  Animal News   Around Town  Arts At Home Business Classifieds Calendar  Community Bits  Community Center   Eco-Beat  Featured Artist  The Gauntlet Health  Community Links  My Wife and Times Night Sky Public Safety Puzzles Real People Schoolbag Stereogram  Time Off