Authorities say several arrests have already been made at the former Christa McAuliffe Middle School following trespassing incidents tied to a social media trend.
Jackson, NJ – Police in Jackson Township are warning residents to stay away from the vacant Christa McAuliffe Middle School property after multiple recent arrests involving people entering the building without permission.
Key Points
• Several arrests made at the former Christa McAuliffe Middle School for trespassing and burglary
• Jackson police say incidents appear linked to a social media trend targeting abandoned buildings
• The property was recently sold to Lakewood-based Beth Medrash Govoha for $40 million
Jackson police said officers have responded to several incidents in recent days involving individuals entering the closed school building or the surrounding property.
Authorities said suspects have been charged with offenses including burglary, trespassing, and criminal mischief.
Police said the incidents appear to be connected to a social media trend encouraging people to explore vacant buildings.
“There will be ZERO TOLERANCE when it comes to any persons found within the school or on the property without permission,” police said in a public warning.
Patrols increased around the property
In response to the incidents, officers have increased patrols and security checks around the former school campus.
Police emphasized that anyone found inside the building or on the property without authorization will face criminal charges.
The school sits on a large 38-acre campus at 35 South Hope Chapel Road and closed last June as part of the Jackson School District’s restructuring plan.
Property sold to Beth Medrash Govoha
The site was recently purchased by Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG), the Lakewood-based yeshiva, for $40 million.
The property includes a 126,305-square-foot school building built in 1993 and several modular classroom units.
A BMG representative told The Voice of Lakewood that the yeshivah has not finalized plans for the campus but is exploring several options and intends to use the property “to the fullest extent.”
School district selling surplus properties
The sale is part of a broader effort by the Jackson School District to manage assets amid declining enrollment and reduced state funding.
In recent years, the district has sold several properties, including the Sylvia Rosenauer Elementary School, which was purchased in 2024 by Bais Yaakov of Jackson for $13.1 million.
District officials have said enrollment declines, cuts in state aid, and rising transportation costs for nonpublic school students have forced the district to consolidate schools and sell unused facilities.