Since the summer, there have been three incidents of arson at Montair Elementary School on Quinterra Lane in Danville, all occurring on weekends at night.
The arsonists are still unknown, said Montair Principal Matt Hermann.
“It’s disturbing, particularly after completing this beautiful remodeling of the school,” said Hermann. “It’s disheartening that people would be doing this.”
Montair, which is blocks away from downtown Hartz Avenue, recently underwent a $7.5 million modernization.
The Measure A project saved the framing of the school, with only a classroom and bathroom added on, but gutted every single school building on campus. All the major mechanical systems, fiber optic systems, and the ventilation systems were replaced. The elementary school also received new carpeting, lighting, plumbing and electrical.
The classrooms received new countertops, sinks and plumbing fixtures. New landscaping was done on the outside of the school and the upper grade playground received a new blacktop. The entire school was also repainted.
“It looks like a new school,” said Hermann. “A lot of great work was done.”
Why anyone would want to set fires at the newly renovated school is still a mystery. The first two fires were found before school started. The third incident occurred in September. One fire was set in a plastic garbage can and in another incident, a bag of fertilizer was set on fire.
“I didn’t even know you could do that,” said Hermann. Minimal damage has been done to the school. Some metal poles have been scorched, small areas of grass have been burned, and one incident buckled the blacktop, said Hermann.
Despite the minimal impact, Hermann is concerned about the damage these acts of arson could have on the school if they continue.
After each incident, Montair immediately notified the Danville Police Department. Hermann has also asked staff, neighbors and parents to be vigilant.
“We told them, ‘If you notice anything on campus, contact police,'” said Hermann. “On the weekend, if people are jogging, just jog through the campus.”
The Police Department is increasing patrol around the school on the weekends, Hermann added. Montair is also working with the police and the school district to prevent the arson. There has been some talk of security cameras, said Hermann, but for now motion-activated lights are being used.
“We don’t want to blind our neighbors,” said Hermann. “We have sufficient lighting so it’s not dark at any time.”
Montair is not alone. There have been incidents of arson at other district schools such as Iron Horse Middle School in San Ramon, reported Superintendent Robert Kessler at a recent meeting between the town and the school district.
Hermann is hopeful the school has managed to curb the arsonists. There has not been an incident for a few weeks now, he said.
