The Bedford Area School District would like to thank its law enforcement partners for their considerable support and professionalism during the investigation of the homecoming incident.  The District received notification from the Bedford Borough Police that a major breakthrough occurred late Monday night. A student confessed to fabricating a threat about another student coming to harm students at homecoming.  This fabrication led to the events that occurred at the homecoming dance. The high school administration met with the student early this morning, at which time the student reiterated the previous confession. While it is our policy to not discuss individual student discipline, we can describe globally what actions we take when a student commits such an offense.  The District first investigates, and after determining facts, begins the discipline process. In an offense of this nature, the District will suspend the student to the maximum time permitted by law, after convening a meeting with the parents. Second, the District will place a student at an alternative location, often beyond the boundaries of the school district for them to continue their education.  Third, the District will prohibit the student from attending all District functions on District property. Therefore at this time, the District is able to close this investigation and has now provided the community with a complete and factual description of events. As we close this chapter, we now begin to celebrate the resiliency of our students and our community at large by planning our next chapter.  

The District is incredibly proud and thankful for the numerous calls and emails supporting its efforts.  We have been deeply touched by our parents and our community. We sincerely thank you! Over the last few days, the District received numerous offers to partner with us to plan a new event.  We believe our students deserve another event and are in the initial stages of planning an event. By the end of this week, the high school administration will meet with student leaders to develop a framework for the event and determine a time and place.  Once the students have a chance to provide significant input, we will contact our community partners and solicit their help and support to make the event happen. The District will release more information in the near future.

During difficult times, people’s true character comes to the surface.  We are incredibly proud of our students! Our students conducted themselves with the utmost maturity, resiliency, and bravery.  We witnessed them supporting each other as they returned to school on Monday. Additionally, we witnessed the caring and compassionate nature of our professional staff as they supported our students.  Moreover, we are proud and thankful to serve a community that demonstrated patience, and gave us the time and space to investigate this incident and provide credible and verifiable information as quickly as possible.  Finally, the Bedford Area School District understands trust is paramount. As we have done in the past, we will continue to communicate openly and honestly with all members of our community.