UPDATE: APS cancels last day at Ellis, IJ over 'potential safety concern;' AHS graduation unaffected
In a letter to district parents, Superintendent Dr. Joey Page made the announcement early Friday morning.
"Due to the timing of this report and our need to fully assess the situation, we have made the decision to cancel the last day of school for Ellis Middle School students," Page explained in the letter. "Additionally, IJ Holton, due to its close proximity to Ellis, will also be closed to students."
Citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Page said he was unable to go into details regarding the situation saying only that the district was working with law enforcement to investigate the threat's nature and that it is "taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our community."
"All threats of violence — even those made in jest — are taken seriously and may result in student discipline, including possible expulsion and involvement of law enforcement," Page's letter said.
However, later in the day on Friday, Page confirmed that the report of a possible safety threat had come in late Thursday evening.
Austin Police Chief David McKichan confirmed that the district had reached out to the Austin Police Department, which continues to look into the threat.
"Austin Public Schools received information about a potential safety concern involving students at Ellis Middle School. They did contact us to investigate, and that investigation is ongoing," McKichan said in a statement. "We do have two School Resource Officers (SRO) assigned to the school district. One of those is dedicated to the Ellis/IJH joint campus and is assigned this case. The other SRO, and any of our other staff, would of course assist as needed."
Page has said that this incident had no bearing on Austin High School's commencement which took place as planned Friday night.
The letter ended with Page urging parents or their students that if they hear of any threats to call 911 to report it.
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