Vandalism on side of McAfee and in parking lot increases administrative vigilance

Arriving to school on Jan. 22, custodians found the sides of the McAfee Center and multiple poles in the parking lot covered with graffiti, a problem that has grown increasingly common in recent years. The graffiti included various illustrations and scribblings, centered around an SHS alumni’s name, a mention of assistant principal Kevin Mount’s name and various drug references.

Mount, unperturbed by the mention because it did not defame him, said the assailants went to Saratoga High in the recent past or are current attendees at the school.

According to Mount, few staff members or students saw the graffiti because of the quick response of the janitorial staff. The janitors ensured that the graffiti was removed immediately, an process that involved vigorous scrubbing of the paint followed by a painstaking recoating of the defaced wall.

Because graffiti is neither a frequently publicized problem nor an immediately threatening issue, incidents have stayed mostly out of the spotlight. The vandalism of the McAfee was the most significant incident in the past few years.

“I think graffiti is an increasing problem at Saratoga High,” said senior Sameer Iyengar. “As a freshmen, I don’t remember seeing any kind of graffiti at school, but now I see markings in some of the most random places.”

Mount said the fact that the graffiti isn’t usually seen is a testament to the diligence of the janitorial staff.

To prevent graffiti, the administration is discussing ideas for a tighter security in the parking lot and McAfee area by adding in more security cameras. According to Mount, the administration hopes this change will happen in the next few months.

“We are vigilant in reporting [the graffiti] and vigilant in cleaning it up,” Mount said.