Message from IU13 In Response to Incident at Martic Elementary School
3/2/23, Lancaster, PA: We are saddened to learn that the individual responsible for calling in threats to Martic Elementary School on Thursday, February 23rd was a substitute classroom assistant for IU13. We are also very disheartened that this incident may have caused anxiety and disruption for the students, families, and staff of Martic Elementary.
We confirm that the subject of the investigation was recently hired as a substitute employee for Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 and only subbed at this school district location. During the hiring process, IU13 followed best practices, which includes a personal interview, PA Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprint Check, and pre-employment reference checks. There were no concerns identified in this process. This is an ongoing investigation; therefore, we cannot provide any additional details about the incident at this time.
We would like to commend law enforcement and Martic Elementary staff for their prompt and attentive handling of this situation. We also want to echo the comments and guidance shared by Dr. Philip Gale, Superintendent of Penn Manor School District. In a letter to the community, he stated the following “We also plan to emphasize to students that the individual who threatened the school made a very bad choice and is facing major consequences as police continue to investigate this incident. We encourage you to have similar conversations with your children, as well.”
The safety of students and staff remains top priority for IU13. If you see something, please say something by calling 911 in an emergency or submitting an anonymous tip to the Safe2Say Something Tip Line: 1-844-SAF2SAY (1-844-723-2729) or via the online submission form.
This individual is currently suspended pending the outcome of the investigation and has no contact with students in the classroom or access to student files. We will continue working with local and state authorities, and the Penn Manor School District throughout the investigation.
Media Contact:
Shannan Guthrie, IU13 Spokesperson
717-203-5433 or Shannan_guthrie@iu13.org