Elk River High School cancels classes over bomb threat
ELK RIVER, Minn. (FOX 9) - Elk River High School has canceled classes on Tuesday as police investigate a threat.
Elk River cancels classes
What we know:
Elk River High School notified families that it was investigating a threat directed at the high school on Tuesday.
School officials said they were working with the Elk River Police Department to investigate the threat and its credibility.
Out of an abundance of caution, the school said it would end classes for the day beginning at 10:45 a.m.
The Elk River Police Department confirmed on social media they received a bomb threat directed at the school at 8:43 a.m. Police began utilizing all available investigative resources and law enforcement partner agencies to determine the credibility of the threat. Following the evacuation of the school, a protective sweep was conducted with the use of K9s, and no threats were found.
What's next:
As dismissal began at 10:45 a.m., the district began to begin regular bus service. Parents could pick up students using normal pickup procedures. Students who drove to school were allowed to leave school grounds.
All after-school activities at Elk River High School were canceled for Tuesday.
Elk River High School Principal Mike Zeman posted this statement to social media:
"The safety of our students, staff, and community is our highest priority, and that responsibility is shared hand-in-hand with our local law enforcement partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Elk River Police Department for their rapid response, expert guidance, and thorough investigation today. Their close partnership allowed us to act decisively, maintain order during the evacuation, and bring swift resolution to this situation."
Big picture view:
School officials asked families and students not to spread unverified information or rumors, particularly on social media.
Anyone with specific information about a potential threat was asked to contact law enforcement, school administrators or submit information through SaySomething.net.
What they're saying:
The message to parents from district leaders reads: "The safety and security of our students and staff at Elk River High School are our top priorities. We are actively working in close coordination with the Elk River Police Department to investigate a threat specifically directed at Elk River High School and to assess its credibility."
Local perspective:
Aerial video from FOX 9's chopper showed police with dogs investigating at the school Tuesday morning.
Elk River High School just began classes for the year on Sept. 1. District officials say all morning arrival schedules, bus routes, and evening extra-curricular activities at Elk River High School will operate on their standard schedules for Wednesday, Sept. 16.
The Source: Information from ISD 728.