Dist. 50 Threat: School Board Has Teacher's Resignation

An investigation into a threatening note discovered in the hallway at the Pinckneyville Junior High School Dec. 19 has led to the resignation of a seventh grade language arts teacher at the school, district Supt. Tim O'Leary has confirmed.

"We have the letter of resignation, but our school board has not met to act on it," the superintendent said. O'Leary could not identify the teacher pending the completion of a very disciplined and thorough investigation by the district and the Pinckneyville Police Department. O'Leary said the information has been turned over to Perry County State's Attorney David Stanton's office and charges are expected to be filed. Stanton was out of the area and not immediately available to provide an update on the investigation.

There is no comfort for the district in naming the teacher because the board has not acted upon the resignation and because charges have not yet been filed. However, Stanton did add this footnote: "There is only one seventh grade language arts teacher."

When the note was found laying on a hallway floor Dec. 19, "school personnel immediately contacted both the Pinckneyville Police Department and the Perry County school resource officer," according to a press release from the school district.

"The Pinckneyville Police Department has been handling the ongoing investigation. The school works closely with the police departments to develop and implement a school safety plan. Any threat of issue with the student or staff safety is taken seriously. The safety and welfare of the students is the top priority of all parties involved. The junior high staff met to discuss implementation of the school safety plan. Unfortunately there has been much misinformation disseminated across social media sites. The police departments will have a visible presence at the school. The school district appreciates the help and cooperation of the Pinckneyville Police Department during this on going investigation."

Pinckneyville Chief of Police John Griffin said his department could not comment on the investigation, but did offer, "I can tell you that Pinckneyville schools are as safe today as they were a month ago."

He said his department acted with the measured response that was required. There was a police presence at all of the schools, but the response was in such a way that it did not alarm students or parents.