UPDATE: Superintendent says additional security measures in place at ransacked schools

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January 28, 2013 - 4:30 pm

UPDATE: Superintendent says additional security measures in place at ransacked schools

The Maricopa Unified School District has tweaked its security in response to two elementary school break-ins this past weekend, said Superintendent Steve Chestnut.

He would not give any details, however, citing security issues. The schools already have alarm systems.

A burglary at Butterfield Elementary School, where $700 was taken from a safe, was reported Sunday to the Maricopa Police Department and vandalism was reported at Saddleback Elementary School Monday morning.

School officials who reported the crime at both schools said there were signs of forced entry but the police department did not release details on how access was gained to the schools.

Police said the crimes were “similar in nature” and appeared to be motivated by money.

“We’re the victims of a crime,” Chestnut said Tuesday.

He said the school district is working with the Maricopa Police Department to find the person or people responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact MPD either through dispatch by calling 520-568-3673 or anonymously through the MPD crime tip line at 520-316-6912.

It was reported Monday that both schools were ransacked between Friday afternoon and Monday morning.

Officials from both schools reported signs of forced entry. However, no details were released on the extent of any damage.

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Do you really think that the senior citizens are the reason why so many overrides have been defeated??? After reading the comments over the years, it is a lot of people who just don't think that throwing money at a problem will solve it, many of whom seemingly have solved the problem of their kids getting a better education by sending them to school elsewhere. Wonder if this school choice and the taxpayers pay for the transportation [like to Kyrene] is sinking the MUSD ship.

There's a large segment of the population that relies entirely on the school for their child's education. And by sending them to a charter school or another city, the parent(s) can tell themselves that they're "involved" -- much easier than truly putting in the time with their kids.

I don't think anyone likes lower property values, although most would like lower taxes!!!

How stupid not to have alarms! What is wrong with them? Houses have alarms - schools should have alarms or even better silent alarms and catch them in the act