Thursday, July 22, 1999
Bogus bomb threat was big lesson
BY MIRIAM SMITH
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Bill Sears said he tries to learn from his mistakes.
So he didn't hesitate to talk about a February 1995 incident in which a bomb drill went awry after he phoned in a fake bomb threat to Sycamore Superintendent Bruce Armstrong.
Mr. Sears said he called Maple Dale Elementary School, where Mr. Armstrong was substituting as principal, to test him and see if he could handle a difficult situation.
He called the school, spoke with the secretary and identified himself, then asked to speak with his boss, Mr. Sears said.
He told Mr. Armstrong a bomb was in the building, but his boss didn't recognize his voice and promptly hung up, Mr. Sears said.
Blue Ash police “declared it was a drill” and that Mr. Sears meant no malice, Mr. Sears said. Police filed no charges against him. Mr. Armstrong said he would not discipline Mr. Sears.
Lebanon Board of Education President Katie Poitinger said the issue was discussed during Mr. Sears' interviews to become district superintendent.
“We were aware of that. Mr. Sears openly shared the facts around the situation,” Mrs. Poitinger said.
Said Mr. Sears: “You learn from both the positive and negative experiences. This was certainly a very valuable learning experience for me. I believe I've grown from it.”
Blame Kevin if you are laughing less
Rape conviction haunts family
Flynt won't leave without a fight
Share your feelings about JFK Jr.
Woodstock at 30
Bush in town for fund-raiser
State examiners look at Children Services Board
Time's up for Hyde Park house
13-year-old pleads guilty to raping a fellow inmate
Adoption process going high-tech with videos
Daughter wanted in homicide
Heat will stick around
Home's residents will not relocate
Judge allegedly bomb target
Man wins in Jenny Craig discrimination suit
Pastor 'stable' after malignancy is removed
WCPO-TV reliving its 50 years
Young women face unique heart risks
Three women, a van and the power of performance poetry
Pianist combines concert career with love of wolves
Cheerleaders smile while muscles scream
GET TO IT
Bogus bomb threat was big lesson
City schools consider teaming with Great Oaks
Deerfield Twp. embraces Costco
Dowlin asks about portable cell-phone towers
Expansion beginning at Clermont College
Financial firm builds at Mason office park
Florence names fire chief, public services director
Initial $3M is sought for Fernald job fund
Robbery trio denied leniency
School to buy land for new building site
Schools boss plans to be active
Speaker: Teach kids discipline
State aid, larger tax base may help Fairfield schools avoid levy
Tour offered at new school
TRISTATE DIGEST
Youths earn, learn at fair
