Employee involved in North Cedar vandalism suspended

CEDAR COUNTY - The employee involved in the vandalism of North Cedar High School earlier this week has been suspended indefinitely, according to a statement from the school district Friday morning.

North Cedar Superintendent Mark Cooper said in the statement the employee who assisted seven students in vandalizing the school cafeteria has been 'suspended indefinitely pending further review.” The consequences for the students involved were not specified in the statement, only that the action taken is in accordance with the district's student conduct policy.

Cedar County Sheriff Warren Wethington said surveillance video from Sunday night shows the seven students - five entering the school and two staying outside - participating in the vandalism. The employee involved gave the students a key to the school.

The five students who entered the school spread manure and a 'homemade catfish chum bait” mix inside the school's cafeteria.

North Cedar had to cancel classes Monday to clean up the mess. Parents later complained that the smell lingered a day later.

The North Cedar Community School District administration and board are working with local law enforcement to ensure the appropriate actions take place, according to the statement. The investigation is ongoing.