Arlene Ackerman: E-mail threat to superintendent spurs more security

Philadelphia School District’s North Broad Street headquarters stepped up its security yesterday after an e-mail threatened Superintendent Arlene Ackerman as well as her staff.

The “highly unusual” e-mail spurred police and bomb-sniffing dogs to scour the district building on Sunday afternoon and again yesterday morning. No threatening devices were found.

School district representatives declined to comment, citing an ongoing investigation with the Department of Homeland Security.

In a statement released on Sunday, the district cautioned employees: “Personnel are reminded to remain vigilant at work at all times, but especially tomorrow. If employees see anything that may seem unusual, they should notify law enforcement immediately.”