Another Important Message for Elementary Families UPDATED - New threat at High School

From: "Dr. Timothy Steinhauer" <noreply@mtlsd.net>

Subject: Important Message for Elementary Families

Date: October 14, 2016 at 2:12:03 PM EDT

To: Mt. Lebanon Elementary Families

Reply-To: "Dr. Timothy Steinhauer" <noreply@mtlsd.net>

Dear Mt. Lebanon Elementary Families:

Please see the letter below that was to sent Markham parents concerning an incident that occurred on their playground today. We have been working with the Mt. Lebanon Police Department since the incident was reported. I will keep you informed of any updates.

Thank you,

Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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Dear Markham Families,

I am writing to inform you that at 10:30 a.m. today, a Markham student reported to a staff member that he was approached by a male on the school ballfield area during recess.  The person asked the child to come with him.  The child ran immediately to tell a staff member.  No other students or staff in the area at the time saw the incident occur.  We immediately contacted the Mt. Lebanon Police Department and filed a report. The police responded immediately and conducted a neighborhood canvass as part of their investigation to gather more information. No person was found in the area matching the description. I have asked the MLPD to increase their presence around the school this afternoon.

As an added precaution, we will be keeping students indoors throughout the rest of the day.
I have asked our teachers to review the following safety procedures with our students before dismissal today.

 In the event a student is approached by a stranger they should do the following:

1.            Immediately run to a safe place
2.            Inform parent or adult of the incident
3.            Contact the police
4.            Try to get a good description of the individual and the vehicle

Please call me if you have any questions regarding this incident. I want to assure you that maintaining student safety is our number one priority. We will continue to be in contact with the Mt. Lebanon Police Department and will keep you apprised of any updates.

Sincerely,

Robert S. Freil, Ed.D.

Principal

*******

The High School has lots of security, including cameras. Not sure about elementary schools. The picture below taken of a security vehicle in summer at the High School. Do they think the high schoolers are criminals? Cameras would have picked up the man on the field if safety concerns were about outsiders rather than insiders and resources were distributed throughout the district.

I wonder if we still have the two security cameras for the high school renovation. I haven't checked that lately.

Update October 18, 2016 5:32 PM 

From: Mr. Brian R. McFeeley, Principal - Mt. Lebanon HS [mailto:noreply@mtlsd.net]
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 3:17 PM
To: Parent/Guardian
Subject: Graffiti in Bathroom

Dear Parent/Guardian:

It was reported today that graffiti was written on the wall in a bathroom stating, “Everyone dies Tomorrow [sic]”.  Upon learning this information, the Mt. Lebanon Police Department was contacted. The police investigated and classified the incident as not credible.  Cooperation will continue with the Mt. Lebanon Police Department as they investigate this situation.  The school intends to prosecute the responsible party to the fullest extent possible with school consequences and criminal charges.

As an additional precaution, the school has requested an increased police presence around and in the school tomorrow.  The staff has been reminded to be especially visible in the hallways during the change of class and immediately report any information they may learn about this situation.

Sincerely,

Brian R. McFeeley

Principal

Brumfield has no plan

The commission meeting went as predicted. The sports people were there in full force. One by one, we heard their sad stories of kindergartners not being able to play lacrosse, soccer games canceled week after week because of wet fields. Never mind that the last major rainstorm dropped 4 inches of rain and that homes all over Mt. Lebanon were flooded, ground is saturated to the point that trees are being uprooted and streets are uplifted.

I asked that all the unassigned funds go to public safety issues such as the police radio, installing sidewalks leading to schools, and installing back water valves in the homes that are constantly flooded.  When my back water valve was inspected today, the plumber told me that there are 55 such valves in Mt. Lebanon. I said it was a no brainer to spend money on sidewalks and help people with flooding issues, not spend $700,000 on artificial turf.

A heated discussion followed among the commissioners. Clearly, it was decided in advance that Brumfield, Bendel, and Linfante were voting for artificial turf. Hints were made that municipal money was going to turf Mellon. The unassigned funds are to be spent on MUNICIPAL capital projects, not school district fields. Our staff has to cut back, but it is OK to blow $700,000 on school district fields.

The shining moment in tonight's meeting was when Kelly asked if Dave had a plan. He admitted freely that he did not have a plan. But they were quick to point out that this wasn't going to be spent immediately and that $700,000 was not enough to turf anything. It would have to come from the school district and -are you sitting down?- donations from the sports groups. No plan.

So after this goes down, and it will, the next want WILL be McNeilly. You mark my words.

Oh, before I forget, they will not be buying a golf course tractor or go for Building Security replacement. Think about what replacing Building Security means, Folks.

I have uploaded the podcasts to tonight's meetings. So if you are as hyper as I am at this point, listen to the commission meeting. It is available here.