Update (10/6/23 11am): Teaneck Police Chief Andrew McGurr has issued a statement, which has been added below.
10/5/23: In an email sent to parents of students at Benjamin Franklin Middle School (BFMS) this afternoon, School Superintendent Dr. André Spencer indicated that a report was made of “graffiti that was discovered on the wall of a girl’s restroom”.
The graffiti stated, “I’m Shoot Up the School”.
The school is working in coordination with law enforcement to determine if further actions are needed.
Superintendent Spencer says “it has been determined that there is no imminent threat to our scholars or staff”, but “there will be an increased law enforcement presence in the area”.
This event comes on the heels of several Board of Education meetings where parents have raised questions regarding security concerns.
I have reached out to Chief McGurr for comment.
Further information, as it becomes available, will be added to the story.
Email from the district appears below:
Greetings Benjamin Franklin Parents,
As we aim to ensure that our scholars and families are achieving the “Teaneck Advantage,” we want to make sure that we are continuously engaging in two-way communication to keep you informed. Recently, one of our scholars informed us of graffiti that was discovered on the wall of a girl’s restroom at Benjamin Franklin Middle School. The graffiti stated, “I’m Shoot Up the School”. Although this can be deemed as an act of vandalism, we want to assure you that we take these matters seriously. In addition, we want you to know that our schools are safe and secure.
We want to inform you of the following actions taken to address this matter. There was an initial assessment conducted to determine the validity of the message. Moreover, our Coordinator of Safety and Residency Services has been in consultation with local law enforcement to determine if further actions are needed. At this juncture, it has been determined that there is no imminent threat to our scholars or staff. Although the school is safe and there is no threat, to be cautious; there will be an increased law enforcement presence in the area. We will continue with school as scheduled.
We strongly encourage all parents to remind their child(ren) not to engage in vandalism activities, especially on school property, and if they see something, say something.
Congratulations to our scholar who made the initial report about the graffiti. We strongly encourage our scholars to say something if they see something suspicious. We encourage you to do the same. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Mr. Paul Morgan, Coordinator of Safety and Residency Services at safety@teaneckschools.org. Collectively, we will achieve “The Teaneck Advantage”.
Educationally yours,
André D. Spencer, Ed.D.
BFMS SECURITY LETTER_10_04
Superintendent of Schools
Teaneck Public Schools
#ScholarsFirst
BFMS SECURITY LETTER_10_04.docx (1).pdf
2023-10-06 Threat at BM Middle School