News Summary
The Austin Public Schools District has announced the cancellation of the last school day for Ellis Middle School and IJ Holton Intermediate School amid safety threats. Superintendent Dr. Joey Page informed parents of the decision to investigate the reported danger thoroughly. Austin Police Department is involved, and both schools will remain closed until further notice, while the district prioritizes student and staff safety. Meanwhile, other school events, like the Austin High School commencement ceremony, proceeded as planned.
Austin, Texas – The Austin Public Schools District has made the critical decision to cancel the last day of school for Ellis Middle School and IJ Holton Intermediate School due to a potential safety concern. Superintendent Dr. Joey Page communicated this announcement in a letter sent to parents on Friday morning, May 30, 2025. This measure aims to ensure the safety of students and staff as the district investigates the reported threat.
In his correspondence to parents, Dr. Page indicated that the timing of the safety report required a thorough assessment before permitting students to attend school. Both Ellis Middle School and IJ Holton Intermediate School will remain closed until further notice, highlighting the district’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its students.
The Austin Police Department has confirmed their involvement in investigating the nature of the potential threat. The district is currently collaborating with law enforcement to understand the details surrounding the safety concern. The report further stated that all threats of violence are treated seriously, which could result in disciplinary measures against students, including expulsion, as well as the involvement of law enforcement authorities.
Notably, the safety incident observed in the middle school and intermediate school did not interfere with the commencement ceremony for Austin High School, which took place as previously scheduled on Friday night. This situation reflects the district’s ability to maintain operations for other schools amid emerging safety concerns.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act restricts school officials from sharing specific details regarding student safety threats. As a result, the exact nature of the threat has not been disclosed in order to respect individuals’ rights to privacy. However, the district emphasizes the importance of community involvement in maintaining safety. Parents and students are encouraged to report any potential threats to local law enforcement, including emergency services.
Attention to safety is a significant focus within the district, and there are School Resource Officers (SROs) assigned to the various campuses, including a dedicated officer for Ellis Middle School and IJ Holton Intermediate School. These officers play a critical role in maintaining security within the schools, fostering a safe learning environment for all students and staff.
As the Austin Public Schools District continues to assess the situation, further updates will be provided to the community regarding the status of the schools and any necessary actions moving forward. The health and safety of students and staff remain the top priority for district officials.
Parents and guardians are urged to keep open lines of communication with their children regarding safety and to discuss the importance of reporting any threats or concerns to the appropriate authorities. Moving forward, the district is hopeful for a resolution that ensures the security and peace of mind for all members of the school community.
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Additional Resources
- Austin Daily Herald: APS Cancels Last Day at Ellis & IJ Over Potential Safety Concern to Students
- Wikipedia: Austin Public Schools
- KTTC: Austin High School Selected to Receive Full Weight Room Renovation
- Google Search: Austin Public Schools
- Austin Chronicle: Sixteen Austin Schools Drop from B to F Ratings Under New State Measure
- Google Scholar: Austin Public Schools Safety
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The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
