NEWS

Kalispell students barred from commencement after vandalism

KALISPELL - Twenty Kalispell students have been barred from participating in their high school graduation ceremony in connection with a break-in and vandalism at the school.

The Daily Inter Lake reports that Kalispell Public Schools trustees voted 8-3 in favor of the decision Tuesday after the 21 Flathead High School students involved, including one junior, were invited to go before the board.

The trustees who voted against the decision had argued that not all students played equal roles in the vandalism.

Damage to the school during the May 1 incident included broken windows, water fountains ripped from the wall and a broken moose sculpture.

The students have also served school suspensions, with most lasting four to six days.

They could still face criminal charges, such as trespassing and criminal mischief.