Pa. Teacher Accused of School Threats
2 hours ago
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — A teacher who was upset because she didn't get her preferred classroom assignment left more than a dozen scribbled threats at her elementary school and a suspicious device in a student's desk, authorities said.
Susan Romanyszyn, 45, was charged Thursday with 17 counts of making terroristic threats in connection with the incidents at Longstreth Elementary School in Warminster in October.
Authorities said the fourth-grade teacher scribbled messages on school walls and on paper that threatened bomb and gun violence. The messages were written in sloppy handwriting with numerous misspellings and some with crudely drawn cartoons, police said.
A prosecutor said the actions stemmed from Romanyszyn's assignment to teach fourth grade rather than fifth grade. "She was upset or disgruntled at not getting the classroom assignment she wanted," Bucks County District Attorney Michelle Henry said.
Police also allege Romanyszyn put a water bottle containing white power and screws into a student's desk and scattered nails around the lot where teachers parked, leading to school trips and activities being delayed or canceled.
In an interview with police, Romanyszyn denied having anything to do with the incidents and said she wasn't upset about not getting a fifth-grade teaching position, according to a court document. Her attorney rejected the allegations.
"In a case like this, you go on a person's character, and the character of this woman is out there for inspection," Sara Webster said. "Nobody says she's an angry person. She loved what she did, and she loved her students and she always got good evaluations."
Romanyszyn was arrested after authorities interviewed students, administrators and teachers and reviewed footage from school surveillance cameras, Warminster Police Chief Michael Murphy said.
Romanyszyn, who has been on administrative leave since Oct. 22, turned herself in to police and was released after posting $100,000 bail. She faces up to 10 years in jail if convicted.
Romanyszyn was previously a middle school teacher at Eugene Klinger Middle School, where in 2004 she was one of two elementary mathematics teachers selected as a state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
15 comments:
If she did it, I don't believe that woman was just upset or disgruntled. She was nuts! Says she has been on leave. Wanna bet she's still being paid?
I am curious about this one myself... I wonder if a student wasnt angry at her and set her up.... stranger things have happened... it sounds odd to me about the characters that were drawn... I hope those video tapes show something conclusive... cause if she did do it then I will be standing right behind you to throw the SECOND punch!!
HUGS
JO
So, if it's proven to be her; not only is she mental, but she's not well educated. How did she get in the classroom in the first place?
Wow. That just boggles the mind. I was going to say we shouldn't judge until all the facts are in, but then I saw the part about the video surveillance. If they've got her on tape doing some of this....
Anyway, makes you wonder, doesn't it? I think the saddest part is that nobody would be surprised if this turned out to be absolutely true. Nor will any of us be surprised if she was to get off on a technicality or because of the "I was stressed" defense. We're used to irresponsible behavior that gets punished with a slap on the wrist. That's what America has become. (How's THAT for sounding bitter and disillusioned? lol)
That woman needs some help...the more I read these articles about these teachers the more it affirms my decision to teach at home.
To answer the question you asked me earlier Julie..my kids attend virtual academy. Theres a lot to it and if you are really interested email me and I can send you the link and some more info.
Love,
Robin
Strange story!! I am sure glad I home school my kiddos!
xo
mary
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My granddaughter just graduated after being home schooled since she was 11. She's been accepted into a photography school, beginning in June. She graduated ahead of her friends who go to regular school.
Incidents like this one is why I'm happy Kim and Shawn decided to teach Xanti at home. In the long run, it's been the best thing for her. She is a well rounded and mature, yet happy go lucky teen. I would say that, even if she wasn't our granddaughter.
If they have this teacher on tape, then there is proof. If it is further proven she did this, she is in serious need of help and has no business teaching.
Pat
psycho
That's pretty amazing!
I didn't hear about this one before.
I would be curious to hear the outcome.
Rosemary
Cukoo. Now, on to other things, dear one. You have been tagged. See my post. Hugs ~
Alexandra
So very sad for her to to do this where there were children. We must pray for her. ......Blessings....Mary
Is there no psychological screening of teachers? There should be...
Like Bittersweetpumpkin, I'm glad I homeschool!
Hi! I just stumbled upon your blog by way of Somewhere in Time. This article was interesting - we used to live in Warminster. In fact, my older daughter attended that same school. Small world. That teacher is nuts!
What is wrong with people these days? Some just do not have much sense and ruin their lives over dumb s***. Curious to see how this ends up.
We started homeschooling 4 years ago after being in the private school system for 6 years. Reading this just confirms my decision. There are some real nuts out there!
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)
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