Bus vandals should feel crime's full consequences

The Valley made big headlines in an out-of-town newspaper this week. Sadly, the occasion was not something to be proud of.

In a thoughtless act of criminal vandalism, four teens, as reported by Alaska State Troopers, broke into the First Student bus yard and disabled 44 school buses. Tires were deflated, valve stems plucked and engine-block heaters unplugged in a systematic effort that resulted in the cancellation of school for students in the Valley's core area.

The students allegedly involved, two from Wasilla High School and two from Burchell High School, admitted to Alaska State Troopers that what they considered a prank was inspired by a television show - MTV's &#8220High School Stories.” MTV's Web site says the program takes &#8220an inside look at the outrageous antics of high school students all across the country. These stories are true-to-life re-enactments of actual high school scandals.”

Through the prism of retrospect, we hope the four students realize that what they did transcended mere pranksterism. The damage totaled $10,000, and nearly 15,000 students were forced to stay home Tuesday. But this hardly amounted to a final bottom line.

The ripple effect of the deed likely had an even greater impact. Day-care operations were stretched thin Tuesday, as working parents scrambled to find an alternative to school for their youngsters. Others simply took a sick or personal day, resulting in a financial toll on Valley families and the businesses that employ them.

Of no less substance are the intangible costs. The vast majority of Mat-Su School District students are fine, upstanding citizens who bring honor to their families, their schools and their communities. The actions of a few, in this case, reflect negatively on the many.

For all these reasons, the school district is right to insist on full prosecution and restitution. We are sympathetic to the whims and indiscretions of youth. But vandalism, especially of this magnitude, is never a prank. It is very serious business.

In addition to legal and financial remedies being imposed, the students involved, once officially charged, should be made to apologize to their schools and their community.

Their PFD checks should be forfeited until their debt is paid in full. Then every October they will be reminded of just how serious the consequences of their actions are.