The South Kitsap School District is working with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and South Kitsap Fire and Rescue to investigate a suspected arson of a playground structure at Burley Glenwood Elementary.

The district reported in a social media release that a preschool play structure was destroyed in a fire Jan. 20, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage. Pictures of the playground showed the melted and charred remains of the equipment.

The Jan. 22 SKSD statement reads, “We are saddened and frustrated by this act and ask that tips/information be reported” to KCSO reference case #K24-000616.

District officials reported it was the second incident on the Burley Glenwood campus where playground equipment had been damaged.

It is also just one of many criminal incidents that have occurred at schools across the district over the past year. The Port Orchard Independent reported last month on multiple incidents of vandalism involving human feces at the campus of Discovery High School.

The Burley Glenwood and Discovery incidents have led to community debate concerning the lack of security cameras at certain campuses.

“Unfortunately, the recent funding proposal, which included the budget for security cameras, was not approved by voters,” SKSD public information officer Amy Miller said. “We are exploring alternative solutions and strategies to enhance school safety within our current budget.”