Bomb threat empties Lansdale school

The third bomb threat within a month at Penndale Middle School in Lansdale prompted an evacuation yesterday. Classes were set to resume today after officials determined there was no danger.

The threat was found written on the wall of a boys' lavatory between 11:30 a.m. and noon yesterday, according to North Penn School District Superintendent Bob Hassler. Officials are not sure whether the threats are related, according to Hassler.

Yesterday's threat was "a little more specific than the other two," Hassler said. After talking with Lansdale police, administrators decided to evacuate the school.

"In this day and age, we err on the side of caution," he said. Students were sent home on buses around 12:15 p.m., according to Hassler. Parents were notified through a school messaging system.

A search of the school "found nothing," according to Hassler. "Additional security measures" will be in effect today.

Hassler said any students found to be involved in the bomb threats would be expelled.

- Cheryl McEvoy