JAMESTOWN, N.Y. –  Dr. Kevin Whitaker, Superintendent of Jamestown Public Schools, has released the following statement following an evacuation of Persell Middle School on Wednesday: 

“On Wednesday afternoon, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and Jamestown Police Department were made aware of a bomb threat to Persell Middle School. Out of an abundance of caution, students and staff were moved to an offsite location, per our evacuation plan, to allow JPD to investigate and sweep the building. Following the investigation, the threat was determined to be unfounded and JPD has cleared the building. 

Students were dismissed from the offsite location at the end of the school day utilizing our reunification protocols. Persell students and staff did a remarkable job following these procedures and we thank them, as well our families, for their patience during a challenging situation. 

Please be advised that Persell’s track meet against Dunkirk has been canceled. The Middle School Combined Choral Concert scheduled for this evening at 7 p.m. in the Persell Auditorium will go on as scheduled.”