Police Investigating Shooting Threat Against Penn Hills School Officials

PENN HILLS (KDKA) -- Police are investigating after a threat was made against Penn Hills School District officials.

Officers confirm someone wrote a letter threatening to shoot school board members Denise Graham-Shealey and Erin Vecchio, as well as Superintendent Dr. Nancy Hines.

A budget meeting was held Monday night, despite the concerns. Extra officers were present.

"The superintendent was very concerned and rightfully so if someone is making a threat on your life, that is something to be concerned about," Penn Hills Police Chief Howard Burton said. "They made up their mind they were not canceling the meeting. We had a police presence there and subsequently the meeting went off without any problems, fortunately."

Dr. Hines referenced the threats during the gathering.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

"Yes, we did receive threats at the district office today. They are specific to certain individuals, I will not name who those officials are, but I am one of them. Very unsettling, very disturbing. I have been in contact with local police, Penn Hills Police Chief Howard Burton, and District Attorney Stephen Zappala. We have extra security on hand this evening and we do intend to proceed with this meeting as planned," she said.

Graham-Shealey put forth a brave face Monday night.

"To be honest, it's not the first time I've received threats against me or my family. This one was a little more graphic, but you keep going," she said.

"I don't understand why people are threatening us, most of us weren't on the board when this stuff happened, and most of us are trying to make things happen to move Penn Hills forward," Vecchio said, referring to the $174 million debt the district is in.

The letter was hand-written and delivered by USPS regular mail. Forensic teams are examining the document.

This is a developing story, stay with KDKA and KDKA.com for more.