Jan 30, 2026 - 5:00pm
District 123 Families,
This is a 5:00PM update regarding today’s emergency safety closure. At 7:16 AM this morning, we issued a School Safety Message and closed all District 123 schools for the day out of an abundance of caution and concern for our students, families, and staff.
At 2:15PM we shared additional information from the Oak Lawn Police Department indicating that this morning’s threat has been declared an unsubstantiated online swatting incident. Swatting is a malicious, false report intended to generate a large law enforcement response and create fear or disruption in a community.
Based on information provided by our law enforcement partners, District 123 school buildings will reopen on Monday, February 2, 2026. Before and after care through the FLASH program will be provided as normal.
We recognize that today’s events may feel stressful for students, families, and staff. Please know that we responded with steadiness and great care, immediately activated our emergency response plan, and remained in close coordination with Oak Lawn and Hometown Police throughout the entire day.
As we return to school on Monday, we will also provide additional, visible support for students, staff, and families as we move forward and restore our school system after this disruptive incident. All School District 123 students, families, and staff can expect the following on Monday morning:
- Heightened Police Presence at District 123 Schools
- Additional Student Social Work Support
- Additional Classroom Teacher Partners within classrooms
- Additional Administrative Support at each D123 School
- Staff Social Work and Counseling services from R3 Consulting
- Telehealth support for families through Daybreak
If your child is feeling anxious this weekend, please reassure them that adults are paying very close attention and taking their concerns very seriously. Please also remind them that they can always talk to a trusted adult at school.
Thank you for your partnership today. Today, our school district responded calmly, quickly, and in close coordination with law enforcement. As we move forward from this day, as always, we will continue to keep the safety and security of our students, families, and staff as our highest priority.
Paul J. Enderle Ed.D.
Superintendent
Jan 30, 2026 - 2:15pm
School District 123 has issued an updated official press release which can be viewed here.
Jan 30, 2026 - 2:15pm - School Safety Update
District 123 Families,
This is a 2:15PM update regarding today’s emergency safety closure. At 7:16 AM this morning, we issued a School Safety Message and closed all District 123 schools for the day out of an abundance of caution and concern for our students, families, and staff.
This closure reflects the district’s preparedness and the immediate activation of our emergency response plan. District leadership and staff are continuing to plan next steps while working closely alongside the Oak Lawn and Hometown Police Department as the investigation remains active. At this time, we have received information from investigators that the threat made this morning has been deemed an unsubstantiated online swatting incident. Swatting is a malicious, false report intended to generate a large law enforcement response and create fear or disruption in a community.
As a reminder, all District 123 schools remain closed today, Friday, January 30, 2026. In addition, all weekend activities and events at district schools are canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
We will provide another update later today regarding next week. Thank you for your continued partnership, patience, and cooperation during this time.
Paul J. Enderle Ed.D.
Superintendent
Jan 30, 2026 - 9:50am
School District 123 has issued an official press release which can be viewed here.
Jan 30, 2026 - 7:10AM
District 123 Families,
This morning, School District 123 received a very serious and threatening message directed at Kolmar School. Out of an extreme abundance of caution, and in close coordination with the Oak Lawn Police Department, all District 123 schools will be closed today, Friday, January 30, 2026.
Due to the timing of this message, this will be an emergency closing day, and we WILL NOT be holding any eLearning today.
The Oak Lawn Police Department is actively investigating, and we are fully supporting their work. For safety, families and students should not come to any school buildings today unless you are specifically directed by the district or law enforcement.
We know this kind of message is upsetting. Our priority is the safety of students and staff, and we will continue to communicate clearly as we learn more. We will send another update later today, even if the investigation is still ongoing.
If you or your child has any information that could help, please contact the Oak Lawn Police Department. If there is an immediate emergency, call 911.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Paul J. Enderle Ed.D.
Superintendent