The Pine-Richland School District released a statement on Wednesday to address speculation about law enforcement involvement in school issues.
The district wrote, "As shared in yesterday’s communication, the increased traffic on social and other media platforms perpetuates untruths and half-truths which are a threat to the district, the students, staff and community. Given speculation in social and other media outlets, a misconception emerged for some stakeholders that the district in some way failed to meet reporting requirements with law enforcement."
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Chief of Police for the Northern Regional Police Department, John Sicilia released the following statement through the district:
“The Northern Regional Police Department and the Pine-Richland School District has a long-standing solid relationship which has spanned many administrations on both sides.
"One of the key factors in this relationship is a well thought out and clearly defined Memorandum of Understanding between both entities. This document is frequently reviewed and updated to keep current with changes in laws and to reflect the concerns of the public both organizations serve. As like similar guiding documents, not all scenarios can be accounted for and for this reason we rely heavily on the ‘common sense’ approach as to when the Northern Regional Police Department would need to be notified to intervene if not specifically spelled out.
"To date, the current Pine-Richland Administration, specifically Dr. Brian Miller has been proactive in collaborating with the Police Department and working together to decide how an investigation should be handled. I have the utmost confidence Dr. Miller will continue to consult with the Police Department when school investigations transcend into a criminal investigation.
"I look forward to continuing the strong relationship between the Police Department and the School District. It is our hope most incidents are handled within the School District and do not rise to the level of a criminal investigation.”
Dr. Miller said “The Pine-Richland School District and Northern Regional Police Department (NRPD) have built and strengthened a collaborative relationship as key partners for many years.”
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District officials have come under fire from students, parents and many in the Pine-Richland community for their recent decision to not renew the contracts of the former head football coach, Eric Kasperowicz and his assistants.
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The coaches were informed of the decision last week. Since that time, the community has rallied behind the coaches. There was speculation that the reason was due to bullying and hazing, which Kasperowicz denies took place.
Following nearly a week of not commenting on the situation, on Tuesday the district held a press conference announcing the reason behind the move.
School Board President Peter Lyons said Kasperowicz and his staff did not have their contracts renewed after a three-month investigation into allegations of hazing and bullying within the football program.
"Over a period of three months, an investigation was conducted into specific allegations of inappropriate student conduct and a broader allegation of misconduct within the football program," Lyons said.