Threats to staff result in reward offer

Six Milton Area School District employees have reported incidents of threats and vandalism. Of those employees, three of them have experienced repeat incidents, said Superintendent Dr. Cathy Keegan.

“We are not aware of any direct threats to faculty. The threats have come towards administration and support staff,” said Dr. Keegan. She added that incidents include tires being slashed, damage to vehicles, and damage at homes.

“There was an alleged death threat against one of our administrators,” said Dr. Keegan.

According to Dr. Keegan, the Beard Legal Group, the firm of the school solicitor, has offered a $1,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person behind these crimes.

Any information can be given to the Milton Borough Police Department, said Dr. Keegan. She added anonymous information also can be provided to the police.

As of Feb. 1, there has been no recent progress in finding the culprit, according to Dr. Keegan. An anonymous tip was provided to the Milton Police Department but was found to be unrelated to this investigation, she added.

According to the District Director of Student Services (and Pandemic Coordinator) Ms. Catherine Girton, the most recent incidents were in December and January, with the first one taking place over a year ago.

The last incident occurred on Jan. 6, when someone left a newspaper on a staff member’s car. “A newspaper article discussing the statewide lifting of the mask mandate was placed in front of the parked vehicle of a staff member,” said to Co-Principal Mr. Andrew Rantz.

Ms. Girton added that the threat on someone’s life allegedly occurred at a local Dollar General store and was reported to the police by someone who overheard the threat. This threat was allegedly made by an angry parent, and the police notified the potential victim, she added.

Other incidents include a flat tire, and an object being left on somebody’s car. At the secondary campus, two other incidents occurred, said Ms. Girton.

“The concern is the frequency and severity of the actions are increasing. We ask if anyone sees or hears of any concerning behavior to tell a trusted adult at school, your principals or the SROs. One can also use the Safe to Say Something (S2SS) tip line to share the information. All threats to the safety of the school community are taken seriously, and police will investigate,” said Ms. Girton