JACKSONVILLE, Ill (WGEM) – According to Jacksonville School District 117, there is an active standoff in a residence near Jackson Middle School.
Jacksonville police said the scene at the 700 block of Park Street is still active, and people should avoid the area.
On the district’s Facebook page, a post at 6:37 a.m. said that Jacksonville Middle School will be closed on Friday due to potential danger posed by the situation.
The post said the incident is confined to a specific area, and the school has been informed that it is safe for Washington Elementary to stay in session.
Students who are picked up at JMS will be picked up in front of Washington Elementary at the corner of Fayette and Anna Streets.
This also just went out:
Good morning,
This message is intended for our JHS students who are typically picked up at JMS in the morning, as well as families of Washington Elementary.
Please be advised that there is an active standoff involving the police and an individual barricaded in a residence near JMS. Due to the potential danger posed by this situation, JMS will be closed today. The incident is currently confined to a specific area, and we have been informed that it is safe for Washington Elementary to remain in session.
If you reside near the affected area and do not feel comfortable allowing your student to leave your home, please contact your school to report your child’s absence, which will be excused under these circumstances.
JHS students who are usually picked up at JMS will instead be picked up in front of Washington Elementary at the corner of Fayette and Anna Streets.
There will be no bus transfers at JMS this morning. Bus drivers will transport students directly to their respective schools. As a result, some students may be dropped off later than usual. School principals have been notified of this possibility.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
More information will be added once available.
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