NJ school principal reported missing days before school starts

[UPDATE: Bertha S. Dyer, the missing Newark school principal, was found Friday in Philadelphia.]

FRANKLIN (Somerset) — Police are searching for a 68-year-old Newark elementary school principal when was reported missing Wednesday after failing to attend several meetings or contact family or co-workers.

Bertha S. Dyer, principal at the Mt. Vernon Elementary School in Newark's West Ward, was reported missing by her sister Wednesday. The woman's sister said Dyer was last seen Aug. 30 at about 3 p.m. at the elementary school.

Police say Dyer had been scheduled for several meetings on Wednesday, which she did not attend. When she didn't contact anyone, a family friend contacted the principal's sister.

Dyer is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall. She drives a white 2011 Toyota 4Runner bearing New Jersey plates U79GXM.

[UPDATE: Bertha S. Dyer, the missing Newark school principal, was found Friday in Philadelphia.]

According to the school's website, the first day of school for students is scheduled for Sept. 6.

Anyone with information about Dyer's whereabouts is asked to contact the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-2300 or Det. Trevor Wilson at 732-873-5533 ext. 3161.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.

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