Dumont Elementary School Vandalized after Community Clean-Up

The group behind the revitalization of Dumont Elementary School announced Thursday afternoon that the school had once again been vandalized.

In a May 29 Facebook post, the group stated “We've hit a small snag Folks!  Please share! Vandals have trespassed and vandalized the inside of the building again. On Memorial Day, Monday evening between 8:30-9pm three individuals were seen entering the school on the west entrance and committed more damages to our building.”

A month ago, more than 60 volunteers came together to clean out the old elementary school in Dumont. The clean-up effort was overseen by the non-profit Revitalize Dumont, which was formed last year as a way to promote stewardship and pride in the city.

Earlier this month, Revitalize Dumont Board President Roger Kregel told the Chronicle that the 30,000-square school had sat abandoned for 14 years.

Over the years, people parked junk vehicles on the property, broke windows and vandalized the inside of the school, leaving behind profane messages in graffiti. The abandoned school became a far cry of what it once was.

The group is now asking for the public’s help in finding the individuals responsible for the recent damage to the building.

“If anyone saw anything or saw three individuals walking together around town before or after, please contact a board member or email revitalizedumont@gmail.com. If you see something, say something,” the group posted on Facebook Thursday.