Pgh. Public Schools Students Return To Class With Heightened Security

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - There was heightened security at three Pittsburgh Public Schools Thursday morning, after threats prompted evacuations earlier this week.

A visible police presence was on hand as the kids came back to class at West Liberty Elementary, South Brook Middle and at Pioneer Education Center.

"One of the things that was so helpful to us yesterday was getting a chance to talk directly to the Bureau of Police. This is their area of expertice," Superintendent Dr. Linda Lane said.

On Wednesday, those schools were on lockdown after receiving threats. In an effort to assure parents, Dr. Lane and her staff members, along with the Pittsburgh Police, met with families Wednesday evening

"They are safe. The kids that were there are smiling and appear to be happy to be at school today, so yeah, I would prefer to have them obviously, but I would prefer that this whole thing not to have happened," Dr. Lane said.

After Wednesday's meeting, some parents were still frustrated that they didn't know more.

"All they could say is that they got these calls in and they took the precautions that they could," Angelina Inamarchase said.

"There wasn't [much] answered other than they can't tell you much of anything because it is an ongoing investigation. We don't know who it is, what is or if it is going to continue," Christy Cibrone said.

However, attendance was lower than usual this morning at the school and Dr. Lane fully understands.

"I'm a parent. I understand that and like I told parents last night, you are their parent. It is your decision always no matter what the situation is and so I totally understand that," Dr. Lane said.

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