Levittown and Island Trees Respond to School Bus Terror Threat

An alarming email was sent to New York State officials April 1, which included an apparent terrorist threat against state institutions.

A potential attack on school buses was referenced in the note, and the Levittown and Island Trees School Districts are not taking the threat lightly.

"We have directed our bus drivers to redouble their regular before and after run bus inspections and to keep a keen eye out for anything out of the ordinary," said Levittown Superintendent of Schools Herman Sirois.

A notice to parents regarding the threat was posted on the Levittown School District website today.

The Island Trees School District uses We Transport, the largest school bus company on Long Island. The company was contacted and drivers were alerted as soon as the threatening email was released, Island Trees Superintendent Charles Murphy said. 

Murphy said a meeting is also being scheduled for one morning this week with the district drivers to go over safety concerns.

"I will feel even more comfortable knowing the drivers received the information directly from us," said Murphy, adding that he wants to make sure the drivers remain "alert and vigilant for the health and safety of our children."

In a follow-up letter to school districts issued Wednesday, the state Education Department said law enforcement authorities are taking the threat seriously and continuing to investigate, they are "not considering this a credible threat at this time."