Multiple Portland schools vandalized with graffiti, fire extinguisher dust

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Roosevelt High School and Sitton Elementary School were broken into and vandalized with spray paint, fire extinguisher dust and shaving cream on Sunday, officials say.

Portland Public Schools spokesperson Valerie Feder told KOIN 6 News that it’s unclear if one person or multiple people committed the crimes. The vandalism caused the North Portland schools to temporarily close specific areas and change the locations of school activities. However, class schedules were unaffected.

“At Roosevelt, they discharged a fire extinguisher and left graffiti on various walls,” Feder said. “One classroom was closed for half a day and a hallway and stairwell were closed for the day. Everything is back to normal today. At Sitton, they discharged a fire extinguisher in the library and cafeteria.”

Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner told KOIN 6 News that no arrests have been made in connection to the crimes. It’s unclear at this time if anything was stolen during the break-ins.

Roosevelt High School Principal KD Parman issued a statement Monday saying that the damage is hurtful to the school community.

“We are working to get the graffiti and damage cleaned up as quickly as possible,” Parman said. “We are documenting everything, so there is no need for any students to take photos or videos of the graffiti or the vandalism. Incidents like this are frustrating because we know that our staff and students take pride in our community and our building.”

Sitton Principal Becky Berry and Assistant Principal David Martinez also issued statements saying that the elementary school’s library and cafeteria remain closed because of the extensive damage.

“Portland Public Schools has contracted with a private company to provide deep cleaning and restoration services in the coming weeks,” the statement reads. “In the meantime, our school library will be closed and we will continue to serve hot lunch to students in the play court where we have set up cafeteria tables.”