Finding Ulysses

This following letter was sent out this morning by the Trumansburg Schools about the series of bomb threats that resulted in school being cancelled today.

On April 22 at approximately 2:15 pm a bomb threat note was discovered in the second floor boys’ bathroom of Russell I. Doig Middle School. The note can best be characterized as a generic threat to do damage to the middle school building on April 23, 2008. Following the district’s emergency response plan, Principal Astles contacted Mr. Tangorra, Superintendent of Schools; Mr. Babcock, superintendent of buildings and grounds; and the Trumansburg Police Dept. The building was thoroughly searched while Trumansburg Police Dept. conducted a threat assessment level. the search turned up no bomb and the threat assessment level was deemed to be extremely low.

On April 23rd, an “M-80″ (large firecracker-like device) was ignited in a toilet of the same bathroom. The New York State police were called and a sweep of the building occurred with the assistance of their specially trained dogs. While the investigation of that event was taking place another note was discovered acknowledging the morning’s event and threatening to act again on Friday. At approximately 9:30 pm, Mr. Tangorra was notified that upon further investigation it was determined that the device had contained small pellets of metal, BB-like, and could have caused injury had students or adults been in the bathroom when the device was detonated.

District officials consulted with New York State and Trumansburg police and determined to close school to allow time to investigate and meet with staff to review safety measures.

Mr. Tangorra will make himself available today, April 24th to meet with the media at 11:30 and at 4:30 p.m. in the elementary school auditorium. An informational session will be held for the community at 7 pm in the elementary auditorium.