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The graffiti was initially found and reported by a community member, Selesnick wrote, adding that Lewisboro Police got involved before turning the matter over to New York State Police.
The incident is now under investigation, Selesnick wrote, adding that the graffiti is being removed.
Lewisboro Elementary School, which is located in South Salem, was closed in June 2014 due to falling enrollment in the school district's youngest grades. The closure, which was vehemently opposed by a group of school parents, entailed consolidated the district's elementary students into the three remaining schools.
The school district has explored the possibility of renting out the school but has not announced any tenants.
Below is a copy of Selesnick's email, with italics added for visual differentiation:
Dear KLSD Community,
Yesterday, we received word from a community member of the appearance of graffiti on some of the playground equipment at Lewisboro Elementary School. Included in that graffiti was a swastika.
As soon as we heard this news, we contacted the Lewisboro Police who in turn involved the State Police. They have since visited the site, retained evidence of the symbol, and commenced an investigation. We are now removing the graffiti.
Although this took place during a holiday break, we believe it is important to inform the community so that there can be no doubt about our condemnation of the appearance of any hate symbol anywhere in our school district, nor any doubt about how quickly and seriously we respond. We will aways involve the police in such a matter in an effort to determine who is responsible. Should any members of our community have any information relevant to this investigation, we strongly encourage you to contact the Lewisboro or State Police.
We are committed to maintaining an environment that is welcoming and accepting of all, one that will never permit the kind of hate and intolerance represented by such symbols.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Andrew Selesnick
Superintendent of Schools
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