Increased Security Remains At Cranford School After Threat

CRANFORD, NJ - The increased police presence at Orange Avenue School in the wake of the arrest of teacher Matthew Acosta will continue, according to Chief of Police Ryan Greco.

"We will continue to provide additional police resources at the school until we know what, if any, conditions are put in place by the courts should Mr. Acosta be released in the near future," Greco told Patch.

Acosta, a 33-year-old Kenilworth resident, faces one count of third degree terroristic threats and one count of fourth degree risking widespread injury or damage for an incident that happened at the school Friday.

School Superintendent Scott Rubin said late Friday afternoon a faculty member reported to Orange Avenue School Principal Marc Edery that another faculty member made a threat against Orange Avenue School. Edery immediately contacted Cranford Police Department, who conducted an investigation and arrested Acosta.

Rubin said that Edery met with faculty in advance of school Monday, with a focus of ensuring students feel comfortable and safe.

"Staff will be provided with common language they will share with students in the event that they have questions or express concerns and teachers will be extra vigilant and supportive as they also ensure that students feel safe and secure," Rubin said.

Rubin also noted that Lisa Burfeindt, the Director of School Counseling, arranged for extra counselors to be available to speak to any student who may need to talk with someone.

Greco also was at the school on Monday.

Members of the Cranford Police Department, including myself, met with the staff of Orange Avenue School to talk about the increased level of security," Greco said.

Acosta is still lodged in Union County Jail pending a detention hearing on Thursday Nov. 8. Greco said his department has been in continued contact with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office regarding Acosta’s status.

"Nothing has changed with Mr. Acosta’s hearing, we actually just confirmed that it is still scheduled for Thursday morning at Union County Superior Court," Greco said. " The judge for this case has not been set."

Greco said that once they know the outcome of the hearing, the department will be ready to react.

"Once we gather that information, we will have a much clearer picture as to what measures will need to be in place to ensure a safe learning environment for the OAS community," Greco said. "As this incident specifically involved Orange Avenue School, we are confident that there is no threat or danger to the other schools with the district."

As to the specifics of the threat and other details of the case, Greco said that information will not be released to avoid jeopardizing an ongoing investigation.

"I am fully aware of the public wanting to know the exact content of the threat, and we will in the near future consult with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office to determine if the release of that information will in any way jeopardize the prosecution of Mr. Acosta," Greco said.

(Photo courtesy of Google Earth)

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