West Milford school officials investigate senior prank at high school

Videos and photos of the prank posted on social media show hurdles in the school hallway and offices covered in toilet paper and shredded paper.

Matt Trapani

Jun 14, 2023, 9:48 PM

Updated 546 days ago

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The president of the West Milford School Board says that there will be an investigation into the senior prank at West Milford High School.
A school board meeting was held on Wednesday evening to discuss the issue. Some parents and students told News 12 New Jersey that some of the students involved may be blocked from walking at graduation.
“We did nothing wrong. All the allegations against us are false. It would be disappointing for some of our classmates to not be able to walk,” says senior Evan Redl.
Videos and photos of the prank posted on social media show hurdles in the school hallway and offices covered in toilet paper and shredded paper. Students were seen walking around the school, with one even wearing the head of the school mascot.
Parents were outraged by the act and claimed that what can’t be seen is damage to printers, books and file cabinets.
“I can assure you the Board is taking the situation seriously,” School Board President Kate Romeo told News 12 in a statement. “The Board has requested a full investigation and report and has the Administration's full cooperation."
But West Milford High School Principal Matthew Striane initially defended the students’ actions.
In a letter to parents, Striane stated, "Messages of endearment were written for teachers in a few locations. This can hardly be viewed as the egregious acts and rumors being spread."
Some parents told News 12 that students aren't being punished because some are the children of school administrators.
But other parents said that the issue is being blown out of proportion.
“One infraction that actually was not deemed by staff as a bad thing is now hovering over their heads at this amazing time in their lives and it's just not right,” says parent Lori Eckhart.
News 12 has reached out to school officials for further clarification and is waiting to hear back.