(ABC 6 News)- Several students from Riceville’s class of 2024 are being cited after allegedly entering and vandalizing the school on the day of their graduation, May 19.

According to a statement from district superintendent Barb Schwamman, “On late evening May 19, several Riceville students entered the Riceville HS building without authorization, upending furniture and creating significant messes in lobby, several classrooms and bathrooms.   Due to the extent of the damage and cleanup required, the matter was referred to law enforcement on Monday, May 20.”

The Howard County Sheriff’s office is investigating the matter, according to Deputy Richard Hollenbeck.

“We’re still investigating this, we haven’t contacted all the suspects but during the investigation; the people we did contact we did issue trespass citations to those who were adults, the juveniles, the minors who were under 18 received notice of a juvenile court referral.” 

At least 18 of the 21 graduating seniors have been cited with trespassing and vandalism citations.

Trent Orth is a parent of a graduate, and said the students were under the impression that they had permission to enter the school from principal Marcia Grimm, but the district’s statement argues otherwise.

“They were given permission from one of the principals,” said Orth. “There was no damage, I mean there was googly eyes put on things, there were simple things like tying chairs together,” he said.

Orth said the district is blowing a simple prank out of proportion, and the punishment doesn’t fit the crime.

“At least give them community service,” Orth said. “To have this on your permanent record seems unfair.”

Hollenbeck said the Howard County Sheriff’s Office has never received a complaint before about a senior prank.

The district did not comment to the extent of the physical or monetary damage.