Volunteer worked on Norwin middle school musical without proper clearances, district says

NORTH HUNTINGDON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Parents at a Westmoreland County middle school are concerned about a volunteer that was allowed to be near children during rehearsals for a school musical.

Officials with the Norwin School District became aware of the person who had been volunteering with the middle school’s production of Frozen Jr. and “immediately began an investigation.”

That person – who has not been identified – was later told not to be on school property for any reason moving forward because they do not “currently meet the criteria for clearances.” It’s unclear what criteria the volunteer did not meet.

Now, North Huntingdon police are considering charges.

That volunteer was allowed to be around the children taking part in the musical several times before school officials took action. They confirmed the individual had “previously submitted proper volunteer clearances,” but did not meet the current criteria and was present during several practices and dress rehearsals.

“There’s no excuse for that,” said Lynn Perla, whose child attends Norwin High School. “I mean, you shouldn’t fall through the cracks. They’re shouldn’t be cracks to fall through."

School officials said there have been no reported incidents involving the volunteer at this point.

North Huntingdon police said they are trying to see if the person broke any laws, and the investigation should be completed soon.

The school district issued the following statement regarding the volunteer:

"The Norwin School District Administration recently became aware of a potential issue regarding an individual who was in attendance during production of the Middle School play. The individual had previously submitted proper volunteer clearances but does not currently meet the criteria for clearances. The District immediately began an investigation into the matter, including notification to the District Police Officer, School Safety and Security Coordinator, and North Huntingdon Township Police Department. The individual was directed not to be present on Norwin School District property for any reason. As an additional measure, all parents and guardians of students who participated in the play were sent the following email notification:

Dear Parents/Guardians,

You are receiving this email because you are the parent or guardian of a student who participated in the Norwin Middle School production of Frozen JR.

As you know, the Norwin School District requires all volunteers and adults serving in a volunteer capacity to have volunteer clearances. The District has confirmed that an individual who previously submitted proper volunteer clearances but does not currently meet the criteria for clearances was present during several Frozen JR play practices and dress rehearsals. The District takes very seriously the safety of its students and school community and has taken immediate action to address this matter. As an added measure, we are notifying all families of this information.

If you would like to speak with a District representative or have additional information to share about this matter, please contact Dr. Natalie McCracken, Assistant Superintendent, at nmccracken@norwinsd.org or by calling 724-861-3000 x1115.

Thank you for your consideration of this information.

All inquiries received by the District have received an email and/or phone response from the District. At present, no specific incident involving this individual while in attendance at play rehearsals has been reported by any parent/guardian or student. The District will investigate and address any and all reports provided. The District is unable to comment on any confidential personnel-related aspects of the matter."

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