SAN DIEGO -- A former janitor of Encanto Elementary School stole $8,000 from a school account, 10News reported.

"To steal from children -- the school who is already in need (and) struggling, it's heartbreaking," said Jean Madden, the principal at Encanto Elementary school.

The money is used to replace broken equipment, buy school uniforms and pay for 5th-grade promotion.

"He should be ashamed. He should be sorry for what he did," said Yolanda Garcia, a student.

Edgar Castro, 30, was a substitute custodian for the San Diego City School District. He stole and forged nearly a dozen checks from the school's safe that was stored in a locked closet.

Castro had three accomplices who helped cash the checks.

The school's staff is angry and disappointed because the bank said it can't return the money.

"Checks are required to have two signatures -- the check had one signature," said Margie Vela, the school's administrative assistant.

Castro and his accomplices were arrested and convicted. He was ordered to pay $75 a month in restitution. But, he left the country with the court's permission.

Students were told it would take almost nine years to get the money back, meaning none of them would benefit from the funds since they will either be in high school or graduated.

Parents, students and staff are hoping that someone can help.

Some, like Carlos Hensley who has two granddaughters at Encanto, want to help.

"I hope to help. I have $100," said Hensely.

Castro targeted two other local elementary schools, stealing more than $11,000 in all. He is due back in court for a restitution hearing Feb. 16.