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Jefferson-Morgan parent addresses school board with bomb threat concerns

By Erin Hayes, For The Greene County Messenger 3 min read

JEFFERSON — A parent concerned about a bomb scare last week that resulted in the evacuation of the schools in the Jefferson-Morgan School District addressed the board of directors Monday.

Juliann Cernuska said that the threat made last week has heightened her concern after there were two bomb scares last year, and no one has been found responsible for any of the three.

“It’s an anxiety situation for all involved,” said Cernuska, who has one child attending Jefferson-Morgan High/Middle School.

The fire department, Greene County Sheriff’s Department and the state police responded to the threat around 8:30 a.m. last Wednesday, said Superintendant Donna Furnier, who added that no bomb was found, and the state police are continuing their investigation.

“It’s very hard to catch somebody,” said Furnier, adding that investigators and district officials had hoped that someone would have talked about the incidents by now, providing tips and leads in the cases. “It’s very disconcerting and disruptive, and it just has to stop. It really does impact so many people. It’s frightening, and we had to reschedule many things.”

In any situation requiring an evacuation, she added, “We follow our plan and review it on a regular basis. The welfare of our students and staff is our primary concern.”

Also on Monday, the school board accepted the resignation of Bart Donley, principal of the district’s high/middle school, and voted to advertise for his replacement.

“Thank you so much for your service to our district,” said board President Lisa Mattish, adding that Donley’s resignation will be effective in 60 days but that the district may release him sooner, if possible.

“It’s been a wonderful experience here, great staff. It’s been a tough decision,” said Donley, who has been with the district since Nov. 1, 2011. Donley has accepted a position at Mapletown High School in the Southeastern Greene School District.

Donley graduated from Mapletown High School in 1998 and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with his principal certification, from California University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to coming on board with Jefferson-Morgan, Donley served as assistant principal for one year at West Greene Senior High School.

Also, Director Dan Wagner praised the Jefferson-Morgan “Rocket” Marching Band, which has grown in size and enthusiasm over the last few years and won three contests already this year.

The band took first place recently in the following events: the Aug. 23 King Coal Parade in Carmichaels; the Sept. 25 Buckwheat Festival in Kingwood, Wv.; and the Autumn Glory Festival in Oakland, Md.

“It’s a real success story,” Wagner said of the band that has grown from just 17 members four years ago to 63.

“Originally, there was a lack of enthusiasm, for whatever reason, but now it’s rebounded,” said Director Mark Pochron. “And we can’t forget the boosters; nothing would happen without the boosters.”

“It’s a great success story,” Wagner added of the band’s explosive growth and accomplishments.

The band will be performing in the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11 and the Waynesburg Christmas Parade on Dec. 6, Pochron said.

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