Update 6/12/13 – Members of the Dutile and Vining communities:

Thank you to those of you that participated in today’s joint informational meeting with the Billerica School and Police Departments regarding recent events that have led to an increased security presence at both the Vining and Dutile Schools. Thank you also to those that were unable to attend but who have also shared their thoughts with us.

In response to concerns that have been raised, and to help address and calm the fears of our communities at both buildings, we have decided with the Billerica Police Department to have an officer present at both schools during all times that school is in session. We are also coordinating with the Police Department to provide additional coverage, as warranted, for special school events.

Please know that nothing has changed with the individual in the last week that would warrant these increased measures. The extra measures are being taken as extra precaution, and our intent is to make sure that parents feel as safe and secure as possible sending their children to school. To reiterate what was stated in the letter sent home to parents last week, there have been no threats made to either school, nor have any students, at any time, been in harm’s way.

Thank you, and if you have additional questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact either me or your child’s principal. Thank you also to the Billerica Police Department for their continued cooperation and support.

Tim Piwowar
Superintendent
Billerica Public Schools

6/7/13 – Today Superintendent Tim Piwowar sent a letter home with students from the Vining and Dutile elementary schools.  Here is the text of the letter and a PDF version is linked below this post.

Parents/Guardians of Dutile and Vining School Students:

As you may be aware, we have recently added a police presence to both the Dutile and Vining Schools during arrival and dismissal times each day.  Please know that there has been no threat made to either building, but that we are cooperating with the Billerica Police Department to provide additional security as a precautionary measure at both buildings in response to suspicious activity involving a former School Department employee.

This presence will continue through the remainder of the school year, and we are very thankful to the Billerica Police Department for their cooperation in this matter.  Please feel free to contact either your child’s principal or my office for additional information.

Sincerely,

Timothy G. Piwowar
Superintendent of Schools

We would like to reiterate the Superintendents assertion that there has been no threat made to either school at this time. This action resulted from an arrest of a former school department employee. The man in question was arrested at the Vining School and charged with trespassing last month.

PDF Version