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Gus Sayer

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Phoebe Prince

SOUTH HADLEY - A third set of students has been suspended and some will face expulsion hearings following the investigation by South Hadley High School officials into bullying that took place prior to the alleged suicide of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince.

Prince reportedly killed herself Jan. 14 after being bullied and tormented by a group of students both at school and via Internet sites. High school Principal Daniel Smith identified dating issues as the root of the bullying shortly after Prince's death.

Smith and other school officials conducted an investigation into incidents surrounding Prince's death. Suspension is a preliminary step when students face possible expulsion, the most severe punishment the schools can deliver, said Superintendent of Schools Gus Sayer in an interview Wednesday.

"As a result of the investigation, we have determined there were some serious incidents of bullying and those students will face the most serious consequences," he said.

Sayer declined to say exactly when the third group of students was suspended but did say some were suspended over two weeks ago and some more recently. The timetable for further action is incomplete, he said, as it takes time to set up hearings, particularly as some students are represented by lawyers.

"Things are in process right now," Sayer said.

Sayer also declined to say how many students have been suspended. The School Department's lawyer has advised him that the number of students should not be made public as it would make identifying them easier, Sayer said. The students' identities have not been released due to confidentiality requirements of the school.

"I can't really discuss details," said Sayer.

Prior to Prince's death, a reported case of her being bullied was handled right away, with liable students suspended, he said. Another incident shortly after her death was also dealt with and other students were suspended at that time, Sayer said.

Suspension and expulsion, however, are not the most severe consequences for those who bullied Prince might face.

A criminal investigation into her death is being conducted by Northwestern district attorney's office. Michelle Richotte, executive secretary to District Attorney Elizabeth Scheibel, said Wednesday that there was no update on the investigation.