3 Pennsbury School Allegations Closed: Police

FAIRLESS HILLS, PA — The Lower Makefield Township Police Department has closed three of the four allegations of improper restraint of nonverbal students with autism in a Pennsbury elementary school.

Police Chief Joseph Kelly III said that the Bucks County District Attorney’s office will not be pursuing criminal charges in any of the closed investigations involving Edgewood Elementary School.

Three school staffers were placed on administrative leave after an incident in the autistic support classroom in mid-May.

Kelly said the remaining investigation is considered active pending interviews. The allegations involve an employee being "verbally 'mean'" and grabbing a student's arm inappropriately, the chief stated.

Jennifer Neill, the district's supervisor of public relations, did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Pennsbury school officials sent three emails to parents after receiving reports that two staff members had an interaction with a student that, if true, did not meet district expectations. In each case, the District notified the parent/guardian of the students involved, provided details, and commenced an investigation.

The emails were sent from Interim Principal Michele Spack, Director of Special Services Travis Bloom, and Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith.

During his initial investigation, Bloom received a report that one of the staff members who was the subject of these reports generally made verbal comments about students that may have been inappropriate.

The District has also notified ChildLine and local law enforcement of each report it received.