Highland Park elementary school evacuated after bomb threat

(Story updated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 21)

Local authorities cleared the scene at Red Oak Elementary School in Highland Park Thursday morning following a bomb threat made against the school, according to the City of Highland Park.

Red Oak was evacuated, according to North Shore District 112, with students and staff relocating to nearby Sherwood Elementary School. The district received the “all clear” by 10:20 a.m. and said school would resume at 11:30 a.m.

A City message at 10:30 a.m. said “no credible threat” was found at Red Oak, 530 Red Oak Lane, after the property was searched by local law enforcement, including explosive-detecting dogs.

D112 Superintendent Dr. Michael Lubelfeld said in an online message, “The building has been thoroughly searched — we have no cause for concern. We will resume normal operations at 11:30 a.m.”

In a social media post earlier, the City advised residents to avoid the area near the school, which is west of Route 41 and just north of Clavey Road. Red Oak Lane was temporarily closed between Rosemary and Ridge roads as of press time.

It is unclear how the bomb threat was received, as City and district officials did not immediately respond to requests for further information.

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