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Drums resident urges Hazleton Area SD not to post no‑trespassing signs after car vandalism; board to refer matter to superintendent
Summary
James Mueller, a Drums resident, told the Hazleton Area SD board he opposes installing no‑trespassing signs at the Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences after someone vandalized his car; the board cautioned against declaring a crime without conviction and asked the superintendent to review the situation.
James Mueller, a resident of Drums, told the Hazleton Area SD board during public comment that someone recently vandalized his car at the Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences and that he opposes installing "no trespassing" signs at the campus.
Mueller said he reported the incident, has the vandal's license plate number, and that Officer Pat Loftus told him whether the woman should be barred from the property is a decision for the school board. "I am asking that you please don't do that," Mueller said, arguing the incident was isolated and that he and several neighbors use the parking lot and adjacent trail for exercise when the school is vacant.
The board heard questions about timing and jurisdiction. A member asked whether Mueller parked or walked on the property during school hours; Mueller said he only uses the lot when the school is vacated and that he had received permission from security staff member Lisa Calabrese to park there when he walks. The resident said he parks where cameras are present because he worries about vandalism.
An unidentified board member cautioned against asserting criminal conduct before a legal determination. "If someone hasn't been convicted, you need to be careful about saying that they've committed a crime," the member said, and suggested the superintendent discuss Mueller's concerns with administration and security. The board did not take a formal vote on signage or any exclusion of the individual during the meeting.
Earlier in the session the board moved and seconded approval of agenda items (including an item referenced as "items 34"); a member called for the vote and said "aye," and the chair announced, "Ayes have it. Motion passes." The meeting later recessed following a motion to adjourn.
The board directed that the superintendent follow up with administration and security; during the public comment exchange staff and the resident agreed to share contact information for further follow‑up. No formal policy changes or bans were adopted at the meeting.
