Threat on social media forces cancellation of classes at McKinley MS in Racine



McKinley Middle School in Racine



RACINE -- School was canceled for students at McKinley Middle School in Racine due to a threat posted on Facebook on Thursday, March 1, according to a message atop the school's website.

A message on the Racine Unified District Facebook page read as follows:

"We have worked very closely with the Racine Police Department and school staff this morning to identify those involved in posting a threat on social media. We have not been able to complete the investigation yet. To err on the side of caution, we are canceling school today."


Racine Unified School District officials told FOX6 News a student brought the threat to their attention. They worked with police to close the school as a precautionary measure.

McKinley Middle School in Racine



"If there's a threat that's out there, you have to take the proper precautions," said Darren Wrecks of Racine.

This closure came as Gov. Scott Walker stood by his position that teachers shouldn't be trained to carry firearms to protect against attackers.

Gov. Scott Walker



"To me, having talked to enough teachers out there, they want secure schools, but they don't want to be the ones responsible for that," Gov. Walker said.

The governor said on Thursday morning he is working with lawmakers, law enforcement and school officials to come up with a timely school safety package.

"To make sure that no child, no student in this state, no teacher, no parent, no one who enters a school in this state, should ever have to afraid," Walker said.

McKinley Middle School in Racine



Parents like Ingrid Jackson remain on high alert. All four of her children graduated from McKinley Middle School.

"The teachers are great. The students are great," Jackson said.

Jackson said she's urging her own children to keep safety in the classroom top of mind.

"If they are truly terrified, speak to a teacher. If they're truly worried, if they've heard something, immediately go to a teacher," Jackson said.

McKinley Middle School in Racine



Classes will resume at McKinley Middle School on Friday. A Racine Unified spokeswoman said police did not find any reason to support credibility of the threat.

There will be extra security at the school on Friday "to help our families feel safe," she said.