The Paseo Hills Elementary School in the Deer Valley Unified School District was vandalized over the June 19-21 weekend, authorities said today.

The school, 33rd Avenue and Deer Valley Road, Phoenix, had four mature shade trees around the school's playground cut down. These trees were up to 10 inches in diameter, many of them original trees from the opening of the school back in 1998. 

The following night vandals returned to the school to cut down another tree and damage a concrete table and benches. This second incident occurred between the hours of 6:30 p.m. June 22 and 5 a.m. on June 23.

 Regardless of the motive behind the destruction, it will be costly for the district, at a time where schools are struggling with budget shortfalls, school officials said. Not only does the district have to replace damaged property and pay for new trees, the destroyed trees must be dug up and removed, adding to the expense, they said.

 A cash reward is being offered for an arrest or indictment of a suspect or suspects responsible for this vandalism and callers can remain anonymous. Silent Witness is offering a cash reward of $ 1,000 for information related to these incidents by calling 480-948-6377.

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