Southwest and District New Release - School Open Thursday January 29

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 28, 2015

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rachel Hicks
Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs
612.668.0227
rachel.hicks@mpls.k12.mn.us

Southwest High School to welcome students back to school Jan. 29; no unsafe materials found during police walk-through

MINNEAPOLIS – Minneapolis Public School yesterday evening received a bomb threat specific to Southwest High School. The safety of students and staff is our priority, which is why we took deliberate and appropriate action to cancel school.

The Minneapolis Police Department responded to the incident and conducted a walk through at the building this morning. No unsafe materials were found. We are unable to share additional details because of the ongoing police investigation.

“We know today’s closure may have posed an inconvenience to some families, however we make decisions with the safety and security of our students and families in mind,.” said Stan Alleyne, chief communications officer for MPS.

Southwest High School will welcome students and staff back to school tomorrow, Jan. 29 for a regular school day.

There are serious consequences for individuals who make threats to our students and schools. We will cooperate with Minneapolis Police to ensure that individuals are held responsible for their actions.

Today's closure affected all Southwest High School events, including Community Education classes, athletics events and all extracurricular activities. All other MPS schools remained open.

Staff and students were encouraged to participate in classroom discussions and online coursework as much as possible today.