Police are trying to find out who put a toilet decorated with rose petals and a political message inside a gazebo at Oxford Center School.
A sheet above the toilet read “McKinnon’s Throne,” a reference to Rose McKinnon, the chairman of the Oxford Board of Education.
“This is something that should not happen to anyone in this town,” said First Selectman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers.
Wednesday was the first day of the new school year. Staff arriving early at the school found the display. McKinnon was appearing at the school for an opening day ceremony, but officials said the offending items were removed before McKinnon — or students — arrived.
The incident was discussed at Wednesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting.
“I have never been so disgusted in my life than I am about what happened this morning at the gazebo in front of Center School,” said Perry Lane resident Michael Angelini. “It was a disgusting, deplorable act and whoever did it is very, very cowardly.”
Police are investigating the incident, Drayton-Rogers said. They photographed and dusted for fingerprints before removing the items from the school grounds.
“I think we all agree that this was an unnecessary and embarrassing act for the town,” she said. “No one deserves to be treated in such a degrading way.”
Selectman David Yish said he intends to follow up with police and wants to see those responsible caught.
“I think the worst thing you can do is ignore this,” he said (note — Yish expands upon his view in the comment section of this story).
“Hopefully whoever did it will be caught and punished,” Selectman Dave McKane said.
McKinnon has been the chairman of the school board since Republicans gained a majority on the board after the November election.
It’s been a contentious few months for the Oxford School District.
The school board voided Superintendent Judith Palmer’s contract in May, reportedly because it contained language that allowed it to be automatically renewed.
A performance review for Palmer was delayed. Parents protested. Republicans on the school board said the protests were organized by Democrats.
Palmer supporters and Republicans argued daily in the comment section of this website.
Meanwhile, the district lost its business manager. The high school principal retired.
Then, in August, Palmer left Oxford for a job with the Region 7 school district.
