PARIS —  West Paris resident Donna DiConzo addressed Maine School Administrative District 17 directors during public comment at Monday’s board meeting, requesting that security cameras be placed outside Agnes Gray Elementary School after equipment was vandalized and destroyed last month.

The damage was discovered July 1 by staff of the West Paris Explorers Program, which operates out of the nearby Legion School and uses the grounds and outdoor education yurt for activities.

The yurt, located behind the school was broken into, with the door destroyed and obscene images scrawled on its walls.

A bench swing nearby had been torn down and busted, and a portable restroom was knocked onto its side. There was also evidence that vandals had tried to break into the school.

It is believed Agnes Gray was vandalized sometime between June 28-30, as the Explorers group has used the grounds and equipment regularly this summer.

In an email statement, Superintendent Heather Manchester told the Advertiser Democrat the following: “As soon as the damage was discovered, the [Oxford County] sheriff was notified. The school custodian cleaned up the graffiti, the broken window was boarded up, and the items of outdoor furniture that were moved were put back into place.”

This was not the first time Agnes Gray has endured vandals. Four years ago (former student) juveniles destroyed picnic tables and attempted to break into the school’s cabin classroom. In that case, the Oxford County Sheriff Office was tipped of by parents of some of the kids.

A call made to OSCO for comment the most recent incident was not returned by the newspaper’s deadline.