School Officials, Police Investigate Student Threat at Central Middle School

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- Evergreen Park police and Dist. 124 officials investigated the report of a student who allegedly commented on bringing a weapon to Central Middle School and harming other students and staff.

In a letter to parents posted on the Evergreen Park Elementary School Dist. 124 website, Superintendent Dr. Robert Machak stated that several students overheard the student making the threat on a walk home from school on Thursday, Aug. 25.

“This comment was overheard by several peers who were rightfully upset and told their parents when they got home. A parent contacted [Central Middle School] principal Rita Sparks, who then contacted the [Evergreen Park Police Department],” he said.

Capt. Peter Donovan, of the Evergreen Park Police Department, said the juvenile made the threatening statement to two other students as they were walking home from school.

"As they were walking [the student stated something to the effect of 'Do not go to school tomorrow, I am going to shoot up the school,'" Donovan said. "One of the juveniles who heard this contacted his mother, who in turn contacted Central Middle School and notified the Evergreen Park Police Department."

Donovan added that the incident was investigated by police and the juvenile will be petitioned to court.

Evergreen Park police spent several hours Thursday interviewing witnesses, as well the student and student’s parents.As part of the investigation, the student’s home and locker were also searched.

“The police department has determined that no threat exists at Central Middle School to its students, staff, or visitors at this time,” the district superintendent said.

Parents and school staff were also notified Thursday evening through Central Middle School’s automated phone messaging system to “dispel any rumors or inaccurate statements,” read the statement on Dist. 124’s website.

Machak and the principal also met with Central Middle School students on Friday morning to reassure them that their school is a safe place and that school officials intend to keep it so.

“The Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124 is committed to maintaining an environment that is safe and secure for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. It is empowered to assess risk and, in cooperation with the Evergreen Park Police Department (EPPD), formulate an appropriate response in situations where an individual’s behavior and/or statements generate concern that they may present a threat to the health or safety of others.”

Machak also said that a special board of education meeting will be convened in the coming days to determine any appropriate disciplinary action for the student, if appropriate, in accordance with the district’s safety policy.

Central Middle School employs a school resource officer who is a member of the Evergreen Park Police Department. The district would not comment on the gender or age of the student, citing confidentiality.

The bottom line is that Central Middle School has been deemed SAFE and there is NO THREAT to students’ or staff’s safety.

Read the D124 superintendent’s full letter here.

Photo: Central Middle School resource officer | Dist. 124 provided