Chapman Plagued By Vandalism; Principal Asks for Help

The principal of Chapman Elementary School on Drake Road is asking parents and neighbors for help after the school has been targeted repeatedly by vandals.

Andy Trujillo sent home a letter he called "a plea for support."

"Chapman Elementary has been the target of vandalism for too long and some recent attacks have demonstrated the vandal’s lack of remorse," Trujillo wrote.

The most recent: Last week, someone jumped on a Buckeye tree donated to the school for Arbor Day a few years ago, snapping the sapling.

Over the last year, vandals have also hoisted a steel tabletop of the flagpole, run stolen bicycles up the flagpole, scratched obscenities into classroom windows and left liquor bottles and drug paraphernalia on the playground.

They have also cut the flagpole rope, painted graffiti on the building and rearranged the welcome sign letters to spell obscenities.

Over the summer, the PTA donated a security camera to monitor the new playground, but it was stolen.

"These vandals apparently risked their own safety by climbing over a barbed wire fence, scaling an antenna, and jumping to the roof. The logical question is why anyone would risk life and limb for such a foolish act however it is apparent that sensibility is a distant thought from these vandals," Trujillo wrote.

Many of the incidents may not have been reported, said Detective Lt. John Janowski, who said police were unaware Chapman was being targeted to that extent.

Trujillo said he and the head custodian typically clear away the evidence before students arrive.

"I believe that it is essential that we take every effort for students to always feel safe about entering school," he said.

The culprits are likely teenagers from the neighborhood, possibly former Chapman students.

Trujillo is asking the community to be on the lookout for kids who might be involved.

"I ask that as a caring Chapman community member that you keep your eyes and ears open," he said. "Please share this information with others and if you come across any information that can help end this destruction of property, waste of money and deliberate disgrace to the well-being of our young children that you please contact me or the Strongsville Police Department if you learn of anything that can possibly end these vandalist acts against our school."