Frustration Grows as Students Question Leadership, Accountability, and the Future of Campus Facilities

By The ClearScope Network | @ClearScopeNet

December 5, 2025

North Middlesex Regional High School is once again dealing with serious bathroom vandalism—this time severe enough to shut down the entire Performing Arts Center restroom wing indefinitely. In a December 5 email to students and staff, Principal Laurie Smith detailed the “significant vandalism” discovered in the boys’ PAC bathrooms, marking the second time this school year she has had to address major destruction in student restrooms.

The Incident

According to Smith’s announcement, the PAC bathrooms were found with toilets intentionally clogged using trash, plastic containers, food, and “other inappropriate items,” damaging plumbing on both the boys’ and girls’ sides of the building.

“The toilets were intentionally clogged… As a result, the plumbing system has been severely impacted, including the girls’ PAC bathrooms,” Smith wrote.
She added that the damage was “unacceptable and costly both in terms of equipment and custodial time.”

The administration now plans to remove toilets entirely from the boys’ restroom to clear the system. Until repairs are finished, the only accessible bathrooms for students will be located on the cafeteria side of the school.

A Second Warning, and a Growing Pattern

This is the second major bathroom vandalism report from Smith this year. The repeated nature of these incidents raises broader concerns—not only about student behavior, but about the climate driving it.

Earlier articles from ClearScope have highlighted declining student morale, frustration with school policies, and a widening rift between the student body and administration. But as one faculty member put it to ClearScope, “There’s a difference between pushing back on leadership and destroying the building. This doesn’t help anyone.”

Student Reaction: Disappointment, Not Defense

Students across grades expressed frustration—but not in support of the vandalism. Most reactions collected by ClearScope were variations of the same sentiment: Students can oppose bad decisions without destroying a public space.

Many said they were already struggling with long bathroom lines, reduced access due to past vandalism, and unpopular new policies ranging from paper towel removal to restricted FLEX Block movement. With another restroom closure, they fear day-to-day conditions will get even worse.

“It’s embarrassing,” one senior said. “You can’t complain about the school ignoring us if people are out here deliberately destroying bathrooms. It makes everything worse for the rest of us.”

Leadership Tensions Still Simmering

While frustration with administration has been a recurring theme this year, the PAC bathroom incident complicates the narrative. Students may disagree with policy decisions—whether about hand dryers, senior privileges, or increasing costs—but many say the vandalism undermines their ability to advocate for valid concerns.

Some students believe the ongoing strain between administration and the student body creates an atmosphere where extreme reactions—though not justified—are less surprising. Others argue leadership needs to address root issues in communication and trust before the situation worsens.

ClearScope Network’s Takeaway

North Middlesex now finds itself in a difficult position: the school is dealing with unacceptable vandalism that strains resources, endangers facilities, and disrupts daily life, while students continue to express legitimate frustrations about campus conditions and decision-making.

Both realities can coexist. But one doesn’t excuse the other.

ClearScope urges students to channel their dissatisfaction into constructive advocacy—not destruction. Likewise, the administration must take seriously the disconnect that continues to grow between leadership and the student body.

The PAC bathrooms will remain closed until further notice. The larger question—how North Middlesex restores responsibility, communication, and school spirit—remains wide open.