Woodrow Wilson High School bathroom fires cause $150,000 in damage
WASHINGTON (AP, WJLA) — The principal of a D.C. high school that re-opened in August after costly renovations says recent bathroom fires have caused $150,000 in damage.
Woodrow Wilson High School Principal Pete Cahall says the most recent bathroom fire was last week. He says four students were identified as being responsible for the fires and that he is recommending they be expelled. Cahall says he is also "pressing for the most severe criminal charges."
A student told ABC7's Pamela Brown they have been evacuated at least five times since the beginning of the school year, twice due to fires set by students.
Cahall says security cameras have been "repositioned" for clear views of all bathroom entrances and that security has been ordered to monitor the cameras.
Students tell ABC7 that Cahall said during morning announcements that the students had been suspended and that the school planned on finding a way to force the culprits to pay for the damage.
The Washington Post reports that D.C. Public Schools spokesman Fred Lewis says his office was aware of only one bathroom fire.
The northwest high school re-opened after a more than $100 million renovation.
"You'd think after pouring 100 million dollars into this place [the suspended students] would have a little more respect for it," said student Alex Rosenberg.
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