May 6, 2024

Dear BC Parent/Guardian:

I am writing to you with an update regarding an incident at Bethlehem Central High School on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, when smoke in the vicinity of a bathroom in the C wing forced the evacuation of the building for approximately one hour.

Today, Monday, May 6, 2024, a high school student was arrested by the Bethlehem Police Department in connection to the April 23 incident. 

According to the police department, the student was charged with Arson in the 1st Degree (B Felony), Reckless Endangerment 1st (D Felony), Criminal Mischief 2nd (D Felony), and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor). The student, who is not being named by police due to their age, was arraigned in Albany Family Court and has been released to the supervision of Albany County Probation.

I want to assure all families that any instance of alleged violence or threats made against a school in the Bethlehem Central School District will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The school district has been cooperating with the Bethlehem Police Department in its ongoing investigation and will continue to do so. As a school district, we also conduct a district investigation when an allegation of this nature is made. Any student found to have threatened the school community’s safety will be subject to discipline according to the district’s Code of Conduct.

We understand that news of a student arrest can be unsettling. School administrators, counselors, social workers, and other support staff are always available as resources for students, staff and families. I encourage you to remind your students of this support system, which is an integral part of their school community every day.

Please be assured that a safe school environment remains our top priority and we will do everything we can to ensure students and staff are safe and feel safe at school.

Sincerely,

Jody Monroe

Superintendent