Vandalism Problem Persists at Wantagh School Playgrounds

The Wantagh School District is planning a second community message in less than two months alerting the public about a continued vandalism problem caused by “packs” of area teenagers drinking alcohol while hanging out at elementary school playgrounds during nighttime hours.

The latest community message will address incidents involving a large group of youths at this past weekend that featured underage drinking, vandalism and destruction of property. Wantagh Board of Education vice president Robert Leuchtmann said during the school board’s Wednesday night meeting that since the district last alerted the public about teen vandalism at area playgrounds, the problem has persisted at all three elementary schools.

“We’re asking parents, please, please know where your children are, ask where they are going and be involved,” said Leuchtmann during the school board meeting held in the Auditorium. “The district has been in contact with the Nassau County Police Department and if this behavior does not cease, unfortunately we will have to resort to arresting and prosecuting.”

In response to vandalism acts during the fall, district officials new yellow "no trespassing" signs at the entrance of all six Wantagh schools in November. Wantagh Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard Marsh also met with PTA leaders late in the fall to get feedback on how best to address the vandalism problem at Wantagh Elementary School, and . 

Wantagh Board of Education president William Russack said the district has been in contact with the Nassau County Police Department's and First Precincts to request additional patrols in the areas around the three elementary schools. Russack also said the district is exploring the feasibility of adding security cameras by the playground areas.