Cumberland Times-News

Local News

November 8, 2012

New bomb threat letter faces edits by Mineral BOE

Keyser police write draft for students

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

KEYSER, W.Va. — Mineral County Superintendent of Schools Rob Woy provided members of the board of education with copies of a letter drafted by the Keyser Police Department, the prosecutor’s office and the sheriff’s department regarding a new policy for bomb threats.

Woy asked the board during Tuesday’s public meeting to review the letter and note any changes that may need to be made before sending it to students.  

Woy indicated that he had some concerns with the letter and had voiced them to Sheriff Craig Fraley.

“I’ve spoken with the officer at the Keyser Police Department that has drafted this letter,” said Woy. “It is in response to a couple of bomb threats we had at Keyser Primary/Middle School. They are still under investigation. 

“I told the officer and Sheriff Fraley, I’m not opposed to sending anything out. But I just want to make sure if we are going to send anything out that’s a part of Mineral County schools, that we make sure it’s accurate and we have the kind of information that’s on it is positive.”

Woy said he had no part in drafting the letter and felt that everyone who signs the letter should participate in drafting it.

“Bomb threats that have been received within the Mineral County school system have become increasingly more frequent during the past few years,” states the letter. “In light of tragic events that have surrounded our nation pertaining to school-related violence, we as educators and law enforcement officials collectively strive to work in partnership with our community to provide a safe and productive learning environment for our youth.”

Charges against the student who allegedly made the bomb threat could be filed by way of a juvenile petition through the prosecutor’s office and the student could also face disciplinary action within the school system, according to the letter.

The letter also states that the parent or guardian of the student could be required to compensate the board or assisting agencies for expenses that are accrued while providing mutual aid to investigate the bomb threat.

The letter also suggests that instructional days missed because of a bomb threat be made up at the end of the school calendar year.

In other board news, Shelley Friend, community office manager at My Bank! First United Bank and Trust, presented two checks totaling $8,000 for the Keyser High School Athletic Complex.

“At First United Bank & Trust we as managers and employees are entrenched in the communities that we serve. It’s really important that we give back,” said Friend. “That’s what First United loves to do. This is just a small way to give back and help our community.”

Charles Wimer, principal at Keyser High School, said he was very appreciative for the checks and that the money would be very useful.

Friend challenged other organizations to give as well.

“We are a community bank so I would love for other organizations such as ours, nonprofit or for-profit groups to step up to the plate. This is our community,” said Friend.

The fundraising goal for next year is $105,000 and in June Wimer indicated that $102,000 was raised for the complex this year.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

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