Thursday March 28th, 2024 2:11PM

Jackson County system schools on lockdown for remainder of school year

JEFFERSON - Prior to the latest bomb threat at a school in Jackson County, school officials implemented lock-downs for all schools in the county system for the remainder of the school year.

A Wednesday evening post on the system's Facebook page indicated middle and high schools are on a level one lockdown.

Elementary schools are on a soft lock-down.

According to the post, the lockdown means all exterior and interior doors are locked and students are accounted for at all times. Also, if students leave the classroom, they must sign out with destination, current time and return time noted.

The level one destination also includes a suspension of outdoor activities.

Authorities continue to investigate the bomb threats, posted in bathrooms at several schools. The threats have all been hoaxes.

Meantime, a Commerce business owner is offering a $400 reward for anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for any of the recent bomb threats at schools in the county.

Cameron Boswell of Skate A Rama in Commerce is also offering one free year of admission, skate rental and a free party in connection with the reward money.

Two juveniles were arrested in two separate school bomb threat cases last week in the county.


Read the entire lockdown message from the Jackson County School System's Facebook page:

Please see the email notification that has been sent to all Jackson County Principals in response to the recent disruption of our schools caused by bomb threats.

Good Evening Jackson County ,

Unfortunately, our school disruptions have not ceased as a result of the video message shared by Sheriff Mangum and me. The safety, security, and integrity of our school district is being jeopardized and will not be tolerated. Please plan for the following:

Staff should be on high alert at all times; ANY suspicious activity should be reported and investigated immediately.
Restrooms should be monitored as students access them; custodians should limit access and may choose to close some restrooms to ensure school's ability to monitor.

Middle and High Schools will be on Level 1 Lock Down for the remainder of the year.

Level 1 Lock Down includes:

All exterior and interior doors locked; all students accounted for at all times.

If a student must leave the classroom, they must sign out with destination and time noted, as well as, return time noted.
Outdoor activities suspended (including field day events).
Elementary Schools will be on a soft lock down for the remainder of the year.

Soft Lock Down includes:

All exterior and interior doors locked; all students accounted for at all times.

If a student must leave the classroom, they should sign out with destination and time noted, as well as, return time noted.

Should a statement be discovered or any threat arise, schools should:

FULLY Implement the safety plan

book bags and all belongings should be left in the classroom; only what students have on their person should leave; account for all students.

SRO immediately notified and school safety plan enacted.

NO students will be dismissed until the entire building and premises are clear of any threat.

ANY lost instructional time will be made up through Saturday school and/or extended school day/year.

Please share these expectations and procedures with all staff. Our high school students have very important EOCT's upon them and deserve a focused learning environment to ensure optimal performance. Graduation is an exciting milestone in students' and families' lives. We have a responsibility to ensure a positive and productive end to the school year. Thank you for your commitment and professionalism!

Parents: Please help us to share the importance of our students' safety. We have to take every threat seriously. The repercussions of these actions have impacted our learning environment. For the families of the alleged perpetrators, the arrests and prosecution will have lifelong impacts, both criminally and financially.
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