30 May 2024
Vandals have ransacked the former school in New Sweden.
The vandals caused about $10,000 in damage at the New Sweden Consolidated School, and it likely happened over the past two months, according to the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office.
Vandals caused $10,000 in damage at the former school in New Sweden. Credit: Courtesy of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office
Residents narrowly voted to shutter New Sweden’s school on June 13, 2017. The closure polarized the town, with opponents fearing the loss of community identity and lower quality of education for children, while supporters said students would be better served at other schools and the cost to keep the small school was becoming too much for taxpayers.
At the time of the vote, 56 students were enrolled at the school from prekindergarten to eighth grade.
Anyone with information about the vandalism can contact the sheriff’s office at 1-800-432-7842 or Aroostook County Crimestoppers at 1-800-638-8477. Tips also can be texted to 207-538-8477.
“You may be eligible for a cash reward,” the sheriff’s office said.