AKRON, Ohio — Akron Public Schools (APS) has announced the closure of all schools on Tuesday, April 18 to "ensure the safety of our scholars and staff" as a grand jury decision was made in the Jayland Walker case.
The cancellation of classes will include all after-school activities. The announcement made by APS Interim Superintendent Mary B. Outley can be seen below.
"Dear Akron Public Schools Family:
"As a follow-up to last week's communication, we are putting plans in place to help ensure the safety of our scholars and staff as we anticipate a decision from the Jayland Walker grand jury. Tuesday, April 18th all schools will be closed including the cancellation of all after-school activities. If your scholar is currently attending an elementary after-school program today, APS transportation will run its normal schedule. However, if preferred you may pick up your scholar early. We will continue to inform families of any updates as they become available."
APS officials said that they have sent phone calls to each home to notify families about the closure as of 3:15 p.m. Monday.
In addition, 3News has learned the University of Akron is holding classes remotely until further notice.
"Members of the campus community should exercise caution when traveling downtown as some roads are now closed," a statement read. "The University of Akron Police Department (UAPD) and the administration will continue to monitor the situation and will communicate any additional changes in operations via email, social media and the University’s website as needed."
The grand jury declined to indict the eight officers involved in Walker's shooting death, ruling they were justified in their use of deadly force after Walker previously fired a gun at them during a pursuit.