New Principal At School Where 5-Year-Old Was Abducted

A new principal will begin work Tuesday morning at William C. Bryant Elementary in Cobbs Creek where a 5-year-old girl was abducted two weeks ago.

The announcement came at a meeting focused on improving school security. School officials also say 4 school employees will be disciplined because of the incident.

About 50 parents, students and elected officials attended the meeting, although the news media was not allowed inside.

"Our investigation found that we had to take action on four individuals and the school will have a new administration" said Philadelphia Schools Superintendent Dr. William Hite. Privacy laws prevented officials from giving details of the discipline.

Those four employees are said to have played some role in the lapse of security when the little girl was seen on surveillance video walking out of the school by a stranger.

The girl was found half clothed 16 hours later at an Upper Darby playground. For some parents, the meeting was little reassurance.

"I really don't feel safe with my son going here. I am thinking about getting him transferred" said Unique Thompson who has a 5-year-old attending kindergartner at Bryant.

The meeting, called by State Sen. Anthony Williams, also solicited security ideas from the public that may be implemented in the future.

"I live a mile and a half from here. So all of us are concerned here. I am a neighbor not just a public official. Bryant is a part of my history as a child" said Senator Anthony Williams.

Earlier in the day police announced they are looking for a third "person of interest" in the case. She's described as a 14-17 year old light skinned African American girl with a thin build and long straight hair that may go by the name "China" or "Chyna."

Some parents are hoping all the talk leads to action.

"What will they step up to the plate and do. Will this be just talk. Will they stay committed. This cannot happen again" said neighbor Lorine Davis, who attended the meeting.

School officials say the new principal, Michael Rosenburg, is a retired principal who is coming back to the school system and has a history of turning around schools. He begins his new job Tuesday morning.