Sandalwood High School increasing security, wanding students, following possible threat

Jacksonville, FL — The Duval County Public School district is boosting security measures at Sandalwood High School, following a threat, indicating there would be some kind of violence on November 30th.

The school's principal, Dr. Hatcher, says due to this threat they will not be allowing anyone inside the school building, until 6:45 AM Friday morning.

In addition, all Sandalwood administrators, deans, security staff, and DCPS officers will be stationed at all building entrances, where students will be wanded before being allowed in.  There will also be an overall boosted security presence on campus.

Hatcher says there was a prior threat of violence regarding this date that was investigated and resolved, but this is a new issue.

Principal Dr. Hatcher left parents the following voicemail: 

"Greetings Saint Nation

This is Dr. Hatcher with a security update.

As I shared with you earlier this month, we became aware of a note scribbled on a bathroom wall that indicated an act of violence would take place on Friday, 11/30.This situation was investigated and dealt with. A similar incident occurred and as we investigate this new issue we will be taking the following measures on Friday as a precaution.

First: no one will be allowed in the building prior to 6:45 AM Friday morning.

Second, all Sandalwood administrators, Deans, security staff, and multiple DCPS Police Officers will be stationed at all building entrances and wanding students as they enter the building. Lastly, an increased security presence will be on campus.

Our goal is to be as proactive as possible in making sure our students and staff are secure. Please know with all the security precautions, we still plan to have a normal a school day with a focus on learning and student achievement.

As always, we appreciate your partnership as we work to invest in the lives of our students and to create the safest possible educational environment for them. Thank you for your help and have a great evening."