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'This was NOT a prank:' Dozens of Ryle High School students under investigation after 'damaging' prank

The Boone County Sheriff's Office says 75 students were involved in the incident that caused damages to the school
Bill aims to clarify what religious, political expression is acceptable at Kentucky schools
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UNION, Ky. — Nearly a fifth of Ryle High School's senior class is under investigation after a senior prank caused damages to the school's building, Boone County Schools said.

The Boone County Sheriff's Office tells WCPO 75 students were involved in the prank that happened Tuesday night.

The school district said the students entered the high school building unlawfully after hours.

"Unfortunately, the students’ actions created potentially dangerous and unsafe conditions for our students and staff," the district said in a statement Friday.

"This was NOT a prank," a district spokesperson tells WCPO. "It was trespassing and criminal damaging."

"We are very thankful for the staff and faculty of Ryle High School and our Boone County Schools Maintenance staff; they worked hours before the start of the school day to clean and restore the interior of the school" the statement went on to say.

The district said the school was able to open on-time for students and staff Wednesday but that the prank caused extensive damage to the building and some staff were injured during the cleanup process.

"As with any incident of significant student misbehavior, we are investigating the matter, following our Code of Conduct, and issuing appropriate consequences to students," the statement said. "The students’ parents have been notified and the district is implementing an appropriate plan of disciplinary action."

BCSO said it held a meeting with school administration Thursday but no charges have been filed at this time.

The district said it cannot discuss individual student consequences.

Senior graduation will take place Saturday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at Truist Arena.

According to school data, more than 2,000 students are enrolled at Ryle High School, close to 450 of whom are seniors.

WCPO is working to learn more about the nature of the prank. We'll update this story as we learn more.

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