112505 Student threats lead to emergency district meeting

The Bedford police are currently working with Fox Lane High School officials following graffiti threats to five female students that were reported on Monday, Nov 21, at 9 a.m., on the campus.

At Wednesday night's school board meeting, Bedford Central School District superintendent Dr. Debra Jackson said that police were working on the case, and until it was solved there could be no comment.

According to police reports, on Monday morning two female students notified school officials that they had observed graffiti of a threatening nature to five female students whose names were listed on a stall in the rest-room. Police were immediately notified of the situation.

Bedford school resource officer Bill Smith was met at the school by Chief Chris Menzel and youth Detective Joseph Comunale. They convened a meeting with the school's crisis team, including Dr. Jackson and various members of the school's faculty.

"Those students named in the graffiti were immediately called to the office, where they were informed about the threats," said Dr. Jackson in a letter to Fox Lane parents on the school district's Web site. "Their parents were then called. In addition, the building's crisis team was called into session to discuss a response plan. The police were involved in this planning session. At the close of the school day, faculty and staff were called to an emergency faculty meeting, where a plan of action was presented for implementation on Tuesday. An investigation into the matter is under way"

Students said that those threatened by the graffiti received an escort by a Fox Lane High School security monitor. Students said' they were required to sign in and sign out of classrooms for breaks, and some bathrooms were locked down.

"Our concern is for the safety of students and staff, first and foremost," said Chief Menzel. We'll do what it takes to ensure that at the high school. We will have more police presence at the school and are working with the school on a safety plan."

"The school's administration will be providing all students with information about this matter on Tuesday morning," Dr. Jackson wrote in her letter. "A plan will be put into effect to monitor and restrict student movement and access on the campus. Guidance 'counselors will be available - to meet with students.

"While one might dismiss the graffiti as a matter of adolescent mischief, the school district takes this matter seriously and is responding in an appropriate manner to ensure that student safety and building order are maintained," Dr. Jackson said.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact either Detective Comunale or Officer Smith at 241-3111. Chief Menzel said that all calls will be kept strictly confidential.