BY MICHELLE ROSENBERG
Staff Writer
ABERDEEN — Reporting any information on the Labor Day blaze that twice delayed the opening of the Matawan Avenue Middle School might make someone’s wallet up to $11,000 thicker.
The school district’s insurance company, New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group (NJSBAIG), is offering a $10,000 reward for information on the Labor Day fire that caused significant damage to the school.
The $10,000 is a part of the insurance policy, and is there if the district needs it, said Lisa White, supervisor of Member Services at NJSBAIG. It was suggested that the reward be made available to help get more information, she said.
The blaze was labeled suspicious by police.
“Because the arson is a covered event under our policy, the $10,000 was made available,” Business Administrator Laura Venter said.
The school district is working with the Aberdeen Police Department to gather enough information to move the investigation forward.
“We decided to offer the reward because the police have some info, but we need more in order to prosecute,” Schools Superintendent Bruce Quinn said. “Hopefully, this will help us get the info we need.”
“We are trying to motivate anyone who has information but has been reluctant to come forward with that information,” Aberdeen Deputy Chief John Powers said.
In addition to the $10,000, the nationwide program WeTip is offering up to $1,000 for information on the fire.
WeTip is a national telephone hotline service that works to receive tips and information on crimes within schools.
The district was hooked up with WeTip through the insurance company, Venter said.
The school district and police department are collaborating to ensure the reward gets properly publicized, Powers said.
Flyers have been passed around and hung up in businesses and the schools, Powers said. The reward information has also been posted on the school district’s Web site, the Aberdeen Township Web site and is being advertised on the school district’s public access television Channel 22, Venter said.
Neither the school district nor the police department was able to recall a previous instance when a reward was offered.
The blaze started on the rooftop of the middle school on the afternoon of Sept. 6. Police are actively pursuing the investigation.
“We’re going to continue this until we find someone or until all leads are exhausted,” Powers said.
The culprit will be charged with arson.
Anyone with information can contact Aberdeen Detective Chris DeSarno at (732) 566-2054.