All quiet in Haverling school buildings
By MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

BATH - Classes at the Haverling Central School campus went off without a hitch Friday despite rumors of an incident and a sharp drop in attendance.

Both school officials and local police notified parents this week that an investigation showed there was no validity to the rumor some kind of incident would occur on the campus.

Officials did not specify the nature of the threat but Friday marked the first anniversary of the death of freshman Michael Buffa.

Police were present on campus and staff used extra precautions to ensure safety.

Despite assurances, attendance was down 29 percent Friday,said district Superintendent Marion Tunney. Typically, 5 percent of students are absent each day, she said.

Tunney said it was a possibility many students were absent because it was Friday during a Christmas weekend.

"But that said, let me say there were students who were legitimately fearful and parents who were legitimately concerned," Tunney said.

Village Police Chief David Rouse said officers, Steuben County deputies and state police patrolled the school grounds during the day, as a precaution.

"It was real quiet and peaceful," he said. "No issues, no problems."

Both Rouse and Tunney said the next step is to try and locate the source of the rumor, which is the second since October.

"It's like somebody shouting 'Fire' in a movie theater," Rouse said. "It's dangerous. On the other hand we do want to encourage kids to bring any concerns to a responsible adult."

Tunney said frightening students and their parents is an inappropriate memorial for Buffa, who died Dec. 8, 2006 of an accidental drug overdose.

"I feel so badly for him and his family and friends," Tunney said. "My heart goes out to them."