Prank Becomes Costly Cleanup For School

ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. -- A prank by vandals at a Cheatham County High School will be costly to cleanup for a school system that already can’t afford to waste money.

Video: Vandals Deface School With Spray Paint

Sycamore High School Principal Daniel Newton roughly estimates that up to $2,000 in damage was done by vandals around the school's football stadium over the Labor Day weekend.

"Every couple thousand dollars could be used better to help kids in the classroom," said Newton.

The vandals shattered a couple windows at the field house, kicked in a door to the concession stand, spray painted the field and part of the scoreboard. They also took the time to paint stenciled paw prints on the sidewalk, using the school colors and nickname of arch rival Cheatham County High School.

"We know that when things like this happen, usually people who do it will wind up talking about it, and we'll find out something. The sherriff's department is investigating," said Newton.

Some are wondering whether or not there will be retaliation.

"I don't expect any of our students or anybody from our Sycamore community to retaliate in any way," said Newton.

The vandals also spray painted 9-14-07, the date this Friday for the meeting between Sycamore and Cheatham County High School on the football field.

Sycamore officials hope to get everything fixed and cleaned up for homecoming next week.