The Warwick School Board has voted to move forward with formal administrative disciplinary charges against an elementary school principal following the death of a beloved facility dog left inside a hot vehicle.
During a meeting Tuesday night, board members unanimously approved statement-of-charges documentation targeting Dr. Amy Balsbaugh, principal of John Bonfield Elementary School in Lititz. The disciplinary charges mark the formal beginning of proceedings that could lead to her termination.
While local law enforcement previously declined to press criminal charges in the case, the school board’s administrative action outlines alleged violations of Pennsylvania’s Public School Code and district policies.
The formal charges approved by the board include:
Immorality and Incompetency
Cruelty to animals
Persistent Negligence in the performance of duties
Willful Neglect of professional duties
Failure to Comply with Commonwealth school laws
“The charges represent a formal notice of alleged policy and statutory violations—not criminal charges—and initiate the required legal procedure under state tenure law for considering the dismissal of a professional employee,” district officials noted.
The disciplinary process stems from a June 11 incident involving Callie, a golden retriever who had served as Bonfield Elementary’s official facility and therapy dog since early 2023.
According to district disclosures, Callie died after being left unattended inside a vehicle during high summer temperatures.
Following the incident, the Lititz Borough Police Department conducted an investigation in consultation with the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities ultimately determined that while the event was tragic, the actions did not meet the legal threshold required for criminal prosecution, leaving any accountability to administrative personnel review.
The board’s vote opens a formal due process period required for tenured school administrators under Pennsylvania state law.
Dr. Balsbaugh will have the opportunity to respond to the charges and present evidence or defense counsel during the August 5 hearing before the school board renders its final decision on her employment status.
