Search underway for missing Newark elementary school principal

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A search is underway for a Newark elementary school principal who has been missing since Tuesday night.

Career educator Bertha Dyer is the principal at Mount Vernon Elementary School.

Family and friends are very concerned about her safety after she did not show up at the school Wednesday, the day teachers reported. Students begin classes next Tuesday.

The principal's sister, Sheri Dyer, and retired Newark police detective Michael Beasley say Bertha Dyer is always punctual and always shows up at the school early each morning.

She had been there earlier in the week preparing for the school year and talking with administrators.

She lives alone in a townhouse in Somerset.

Somerset Police have spoken with her family and have requested financial information from the family in an effort to track her down.

Colleagues had a lengthy conversation with her at home on Tuesday night.

She previously said to her sister that she was busy getting ready for the new school year but did complain that she had a headache.

Principal Dyer, 68, is 5'4" and drives a 2012 Toyota 4Runner bearing New Jersey registration U79GXM which is missing. The lights and the TV were on when family and police went to her home.

Detectives are reaching out to area hospitals. Her home and the school were checked thoroughly by police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact:

Franklin Township Police Detective Trevor Wilson: 732-873-5533 x3161.