By Jeff Lipton
The "graffiti-like" threat was written in pencil on the wall, and police at the 3rd Precinct were notified as soon as it was discovered Dec. 20, according to Schools Superintendent Leon Campo.
"Even though the threat was determined to have low credibility, [the school] had an obligation to notify the authorities, parents and staff immediately," said Campo.
Parents throughout the district -- not just those of East Meadow High students -- were notified that night by way of an automated phone messaging system that Campo referred to as the district's "emergency broadcast system." School officials would not discuss exactly what the message said.
Campo said that school officials were working closely with police to conduct sweeps of the building. One police officer at the 3rd Precinct said police could not release details of the investigation, and would not even confirm if a bomb threat had been made.
Walter Skinner, a school board trustee, would not go into specifics, but said the threat involved a future event. "We kind of know who it is," said Skinner. "We still have to take everything seriously. The threat was pretty vague." Skinner added that the incident boiled down to a "kid being stupid, but we have to still treat everyone as if it's an actual threat and call police."
Students who are caught making threats most likely face suspension, but can be subject to expulsion and possibly even criminal charges. "We believe it's just a hoax, even though we still have to sweep the building," Skinner said. "It looks just like a stupid prank. When they do it, kids don't realize what they're doing, and I don't feel bad for this kid. I don't think he can claim ignorance at that end."
Skinner said that parents and staff throughout the district were alerted about the threat right away because "we wanted to get it out there." He explained that the software program is designed make one phone call to all parents. "It's important to keep the parents and staff informed," Skinner said. "This program is supposed to cut down on making all those phone calls."
The school district has had some practice using the system, because the middle school has had at least two bomb threats this school year. In those incidents, it appeared that a student made the threat in order to get out of taking a test.
Ellen Matishek, president of the council of PTAs, who has one child in the middle school and another in the elementary school, said she was happy that the district notified parents districtwide. "It's important to keep all parents informed," Matishek said.
She said the threats are scary, regardless of whether they are believed to be pranks. "We are concerned for the safety of the kids," Matishek said. "The district has been handling it properly, going above and beyond."
Esther McKenna contributed to this story. Comments about it? JLipton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
