Terroristic Threats, Other Charges Dropped Against Upper St. Clair Schools Mom

Upper St. Clair School District officials withdrew on Monday terroristic threats and other charges against an Upper St. Clair Township mother.


But Judge Eugene L. Zielmanski, filling in at the Bethel Park-Upper St. Clair magistrate's office through September, warned Suzanne Garlitz that, should she violate the two sides' agreement for her to avoid contact with district employees, she'll end up in jail on a $50,000 bond.

Garlitz was charged with one count of terroristic threats and one count of disorderly conduct for allegedly threatening to kill a district administrator in May after the administrator asked to reschedule a meeting regarding one of Garlitz's children.

Also withdrawn against Garlitz by school district officials were charges of harassment and disorderly conduct from previous incidents allegedly involving her. The district has accused Garlitz of making excessive phone calls to school employees, using offensive language and going on verbally abusive tirades in the Upper St. Clair High School office waiting room.

On Monday, school district solicitor Trish Andrews said that Garlitz would be permitted to continue to be a part of her child's individualized education program, or IEP.

"Our issue is continuous phone calls, emails, et cetera, with the school district," Andrews said.

"That stops as of right now," Judge Zielmanski said. "This has to end. This is ended as of today. You come back (to the courtroom), bring a toothbrush."

Garlitz asked the judge for how long she would have to avoid contact with district employees since her child is not expected to graduate from Upper St. Clair High until another 53 months from now.

Zielmanski said that the agreement will last 53 months.