Threats Against Sparta Educators Under Police Investigation

SPARTA, NJ - A group of irate parents in Sparta Township may learn that freedom of speech does not mean freedom of consequences of that speech after a series of threatening posts made against educators on social media were referred to police for investigation.

A vocal minority dissatisfied with the pace of returning to in-person, full-day
learning has been raising the temperature on the discourse on social media. And on Friday, one such post included a threat of physical violence against the Board and the teachers' union, officials said.

That post was seen by Sparta Interim Superintendent of Schools Patrick McQueeney, who acted immediately.

"A screenshot of the post was shared with me," he told Patch. "I called our police department and then emailed the post to them."

The ugly turn of events came hours after the Sparta Board of Education's return to school committee issued a letter reiterating that the return to a regular full-day schedule is a "top priority" for the district and that a more detailed communication will be distributed in the middle of this week, outlining the next phase of the plan.

"The Sparta educational community must rest assured that these are not simply words, but the number one goal of the district which will result in swift decisive action in the very near future," The Sparta school board said in a statement.

The board said Friday they are aware some individuals in the community who have created a heightened and inflammatory discourse on social media "against the Board, Administration, teachers, etc."

"This is outrageous and unacceptable. We would never accept such conduct from our children, and we certainly will not accept it from grown adults," the board statement said. "As such, the Sparta Police Department is actively investigating the matter and will take appropriate action to ensure that the individual(s) will be held fully accountable and prosecuted to the maximum extent permitted by law."

The missive to the community also noted anyone considering making such threats, or worse yet carrying them out, should be advised that threats against public officials carry heightened criminal penalties.

The Board of Education said they are looking to engage in peaceful discourse and healthy debate on the reentry plan.

"We are parents like you. We are also deeply concerned about how this pandemic and virtual learning is affecting our children's educational and social development," the statement said. "Nevertheless, we will not tolerate those who try to take matters into their own hands or incite violence as an intimidation tactic simply because they are dissatisfied with the Board, Administration and our teachers who are doing their best in these very trying circumstances."

Sparta Police Lt. John Lamon said that the 47-year-old man who posted the most inflammatory comments was tracked down to Wall Township and he will not be facing criminal charges because the threat was not specific or credible.

"Our Detective Bureau was able to learn this person’s identity and made contact with him. This person stated that he was not from Sparta and had no intention of coming to Sparta and carrying out his threat and that he was just 'venting' to the other group members," Lamon told Patch. "He was told that the Sparta Board of Education was drafting a NO TRESPASS letter that will be sent to him by certified mail, indicating that he is not welcome on Board of ED property and will be charged with Defiant Trespass should he come onto their property."

McQueeney confirmed the district will indeed be banning the man from school property.

“We have only reinforced the advice of the local PD department. We have barred the gentlemen from all school grounds and buildings,” he said. “ The district is still investigating its options with respect to filing a complaint. No decision has been made.”

The district could also file their own complaint against the man for harassment or terroristic threats, and McQueeney said they might as the man will not be charged criminally.

"There was not enough to sustain a charge of terroristic threats or Harassment from Law Enforcement, but the Board of ED was advised of the process to sign a complaint if they wished," Lamong said. "They are now weighing their options."

Beyond the community letter coming this week, McQueeney said details outlining the reopening plan's next phase will be presented at Thursday's board meeting. The board meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Sparta High School cafeteria and be livestreamed on

The video link and phone number for comments will be posted on the district's homepage prior to the meeting. Written comments may also be emailed in advance of the meeting to public.comment@sparta.org.

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