TUSTIN : Parents to Foot Bill If Pupils Vandalize

Tustin Unified School District, in an effort to control the increasing cost of removing graffiti, is now telling parents of students caught vandalizing school property to pay for cleanup costs or face civil lawsuits.

Since June, the district has collected $1,400 from parents whose children were caught spray-painting or vandalizing school property, according to Brad Lantz, district director of student services.

In addition, the district is trying to collect $1,800 from the parents of seven students who were involved in separate graffiti incidents during the summer, Lantz said.

Letters were sent to the parents early this month and suits will be filed if they do not respond by Wednesday, he said.

According to state law, the parent or guardian is liable for up to $10,000 in damages caused by child, Lantz said.

Several Orange County cities, including Tustin, have adopted tough ordinances to deal with the growing problem of graffiti.

In addition to restitution, the parents and the minor can be required to clean up the graffiti. Penalties can also include fines and jail time.

The district spends $5,000 to $7,000 every year for graffiti cleanup. School custodians immediately paint over graffiti, which takes time away from their regular duties, Lantz said.

Filing a lawsuit against parents to recover expenses is often the last resort, Lantz said.

“We try to work with the parents, but we will initiate criminal prosecution whenever necessary,” Lantz said.

He said the $1,400 was paid by parents of six students who spray-painted furniture and other equipment at the old Columbus Tustin Middle School campus on Beneta Way.

A district security guard caught one of the students, who officials said later identified his companions.

The parents decided to pay for the cleanup without the district going to court, Lantz said.