Feb 29, 2008 1:12 pm US/Eastern
Area Schools Increase 'Leap Year' Security
WARRINGTON, Pa. (CBS 3) ―
An increased security presence and a decreased student population were seen at a few schools in Bucks and Lehigh Counties after concerns over a potential Leap Year threat.
Several schools, including Central Bucks High School South in Warrington, increased security leading up to February 29.
Many parents and students raised concerns after rumors of an 'incident' started appearing on MySpace with the "229 Brigade" and "Pink Army," two self-proclaimed anti-government and anti-war peace movements.
No mention of violence has been made on the webpages, but rumors started online and in the halls of Bethlehem schools stated Leap Year, February 29 was a target date.
A newspaper article fanned the fear, spreading concern to Bucks County schools.
Area administrators conducted an investigation into the rumors and issued their findings to parents.
A letter sent by Middle Bucks Institute of Technology Principal W. Rodney Stone read in part:
"Each time we have researched a rumor it goes back to the same source, which was a discussion last week at the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology about a newspaper report from Bethlehem, Pa. The Warrington Township Police Department has investigated all information presented to them and has obtained the same information we have … We have rigorous safety measures in place each day Friday we will intensify those measures to provide a safe learning environment for your child."
Comments left on MySpace by members of the "229 Brigade" and the "Pink Army" have stated that they have no plans for violence.
Officials at William Tennent High School in Centennial School District said they had an absentee rate of about 20 percent. Normally, officials said the school's absentee rate is four percent.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
