Caldwell High Graffiti Incident Under Investigation

James Caldwell High School officials are investigating a message that was written on the hill of Bonnel Field and graffiti drawn throughout the school sometime Tuesday night, West Caldwell Police Chief Michael Bramhall said.

According to Bramhall, an officer patrolling the area discovered the message that read, "You Can't Control Us, Kevin! Class of 2011" on the hill adjacent to the football field on the eve of the first day of school at about 11:30 p.m.

The message, allegedly directed at Principal Kevin Barnes, was written in either flour or a type of non-toxic powder, Bramhall said Wednesday.

The officer also found a door to the school unlocked and discovered graffiti on interior windows to classrooms, display boards and mirrors, Bramhall said.

According to Bramhall, the messages were written in washable, non-permanent ink and included the phrases "Are You Ready 2011?," "Seniors Rule" and "I Love You J."

Bramhall said school officials examined the video surveillance footage and identified some of the students who were allegedly involved.

According to Bramhall, school officials said they were going to handle the investigation internally. Barnes could not be reached for comment.

According to Bramhall, similar incidents with messages written on the Bonnel Field hill have occurred several times over the last few years, usually at the start of the school year, after a team has won a sports championship or just prior to graduation.

However, Bramhall said this is the first time messages were written inside the school.

According to Bramhall, school officials said members of the custodial staff were expected to be in the building until midnight. However, it did not appear that anyone was on the premises when police arrived, Bramhall said.

Lt. Ed Nemeth and Officer William Styskal were among those who responded, Bramhall said.

"We've seen writing on the hill right before school starts," Bramhall said. "It's usually not derogatory. It's not something that we condone, but it's something that has been going on for a couple of years."