School district sets facility curfew for entire school year

Following more than $10,000 in damages from vandalism and theft at nine Clovis schools, a curfew has been instated for the entire year.

“Trespassing signs will address the times of the day people can be on our properties,” Clovis Municipal Schools Superintendent Jody Balch said. “People will not be permitted on properties between the hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. The practice applies to everyone, unless there's an event that's taking place at a particular site that lasts later than 10 p.m. This practice will be in place for the entire year and the police will be called if and when people are on the properties after the designated hours. This practice has come about due to the large amount of recent vandalism.”

Balch said police are trying to help the school district, but law enforcement can't address the number of people on school campuses overnight if the sites are not posted.

He said during occasions in which an event extends beyond 10 p.m., the school district would allow time to exit the parking lots when the event ends. If people remain after adequate time is given, they will be asked to leave.

“We want the public to be able to use our facilities for walk(ing) and play, but nothing good is taking place during the restricted hours we have listed,” he said.

Clovis Municipal Schools Deputy Superintendent of Operations Carrie Bunce said the schools impacted were Cameo Elementary, La Casita Elementary, Sandia Elementary, Zia Elementary, Gattis Middle School, Marshall Middle School, Yucca Middle School, Clovis High School and Freshman Academy.

School officials told KOB-TV five iPads belonging to the district were recovered after attempts were made to sell them on social media.

Clovis resident E.V. Jones said while he agrees with the facilities curfew concept, he was under the impression a trespassing policy was already in place.

“Considering the break-ins and whatnot that has happened in the schools of late, the school district has to take some kind of action,” he said. “But I thought they already had signs posted to warn trespassers. There are signs that point to drug- and gun-free zones, so I thought (a warning about) trespassing was there, too. Obviously I’m in error thinking that. I’m all for anything that makes the sites safer, though.”