Found In the Woods

A week ago Saturday night vandals destroyed a $50,000 electric billboard type sign out in front of Rockville High school which is near our house. This comes as no surprise to me. About two years ago the sign was installed in front of the newly renovated and expanded high school on Baltimore Rd. One day, on our way to church, I saw the sign and immediately turned to Kris and said "oh, that's a mistake. That thing will be destroyed in a couple years, I guarantee it." Many kids have no respect for personal property, and something so public and well known is a great target for some trouble making kids. Trust me, I know.

But my real beef is … $50,000 sign!? Did you just say fifty thousand dollars?! Who is the genius that had the brilliant idea that a HIGH SCHOOL needs a $50k sign out front to tell us when the next PTA meeting is and that kids have off next Monday for Columbus day? A High School is not a moneymaking venture. This is needless spending at its worst. I'm glad that sign is busted. The folks up in arms about it need a reality check. There's no need for something so extravagant and it was a total waste of money, no matter where it came from. Sorry folks, next time try brick and mortar – it lasts a lot longer. At least they could have covered it with a protective plastic case!? Come on! $50 grand and you can't do it right.

Here is the response from a community group: 

From:
Subject: Vandalism at Rockville High School Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2006 14:29:46 +0000
Elementary school reps: Please send this to your listserve moderators.
We want the entire community to know about this and to be involved in it.
Thanks! 

Dear RHS Community,

This past Saturday night, vandals destroyed the electronic sign in front of the school. Dr. Munk has said that initial estimates put the cost of repair well in excess of $30,000.

This thoughtless act harms all members of our community, but most of all, it hurts our children. The electronic sign, like the building itself, just a little more than two years old, was a great source of pride for our students.

I am sure everyone will agree that whoever perpetrated this act needs to be brought to justice. The sooner this happens, the better. We can ill afford having criminal acts such as this repeated in our neighbor, to our school, where it affects the ones we love the most.

In all likelihood, if the perpetrators are students, they will brag of their exploits to friends, and word soon will spread among the student body concerning who is responsible for this despicable act. Accordingly, I encourage every parent in our community to speak with your children tonight and ask if they have heard anything about who may be responsible. If they know of anything, please call Dr. Munk or the Montgomery County Police and let them know.

Thank you.