On Sept. 10, 11 and 14, the locker room at Auburn Memorial Stadium was robbed. Victims included Auburn Riverside and Auburn High School athletes.

Thefts often occur because students have not properly secured their things; however, there were no locks available. Personal belongings were left with the assurance of safety by the district.

In all three incidents mentioned above, it was the district that failed the kids, not the other way around. How a district fails to secure an area that has one usable entrance baffles me … for it to happen three times is negligence.

Many families suffered hundreds of dollars in losses from the thefts. Players had cash, wallets, car and home keys, cellphones, clothes and other items taken.

Unfortunately, some athletes were victims on more than one occasion. There has been little to no communication by the district to the athletes or families.

The school district has decided not to reimburse families for stolen merchandise and even suggested that booster club money might be used to help compensate families. Booster club money, in many cases, is generated by the parents and athletes involved in the program.

So let’s get this straight: the ASD wants the victims to reimburse themselves for their loss. Brilliant idea.

There is a booster club auction on Nov. 21 to raise funds for clubs, athletics and students in need of financial assistance.

I’m sure the district administration has already purchased several tables to show their support for the students/athletes at Auburn High School. If past attendance by district administration is any indication, I’m not too optimistic.

My wife and I have lived in the district for over 18 years and have voted for every levy and bond that the district has run because we support kids. I just wish, in this instance, the Auburn School District did the same.

– Dan Strojan