Repeated vandalism in the girls’ restroom on the first floor has resulted in the weeks-long closure of the facility, frustrating Fossil Ridge High School students and staff. 

Fossil Head Custodian Zac Cordova said people have damaged toilet pipes and sinks in various restrooms in the school about six times this year. Each time, repairs cost about $100.

“It’s not sustainable, and we’re working with limited resources,” Cordova said.

Cordova suspects a single individual may be responsible, though catching the culprit has been difficult.

Fossil Dean Brooks Ramsey added that while the school tries to fix these issues quickly, the repeated damage forced them to close the bathroom.

“Our school has more bathrooms available, which eases the impact somewhat, but it’s still a problem for students and teachers who need quick access,” Ramsey said. 

Hall monitors cannot always watch the bathrooms, he added, and there are no cameras inside, so it is challenging to identify those responsible for the damage.

“As of now, there’s no long-term solution in place to prevent the damage,” Ramsey said. “We’re doing what we can with what we have, but unless this stops, we’re just putting a bandaid on a problem that keeps coming back.”

Health science teacher Sarah Hower said the bathroom closure inconveniences both staff and students.

“It’s frustrating because the nearest bathroom for my classroom is now at the opposite end of the building,” Hower said. “Students then take longer to use the restroom, and if it is during the passing period, it is difficult to know whether to mark the students tardy.”

Junior Natalie Fleener has faced an issue similar to what Hower described. 

“I often end up late to class because I have to walk so far to find an open restroom,” Fleener said.

Sophomore Jayln Belcastro said the closure has led to overcrowded bathrooms and added delays.

“When the stalls are closed, it causes huge delays and long lines, especially for girls,” Belcastro said. “Some students even get sent to the dean’s office for being late or in the halls during passing periods.”

Staff don’t have a definitive date for when the bathroom will be re-opened to the public.