By Shawn Hogendorf, Correspondent

Police are investigating a threat administrators at Prior Lake High School received Tuesday morning that warned of an incident at the school for Thursday morning (Nov. 20).

Late Tuesday afternoon, a bomb threat to the school was discovered for today (Nov. 19).

Police wouldn’t comment on the specifics of the threat, as it is an ongoing investigation, said Capt. Dave Muelken.

Superintendent Sue Anne Gruver stated in a letter to high school students, staff and parents and guardians that the threat was received at 10:45 a.m., Tuesday. As part of the school district’s emergency preparedness plan, the school police liaison officer was notified, along with the Savage Police Department.

Following the second threat, it was decided that police would conduct a sweep of the high school, following the completion of the sweep, the building will be secured and police will monitor the building, Gruver stated in a second notification to parents and guardians.

Wednesday morning, school opened and classes resumed; however students will notice a stronger police presence in the school to provide extra security as a precaution. Student’s coats and backpacks will be searched and students will have limited access to common areas during the school day and will be directed to a classroom during open periods, Gruver said.

The school will close at 3 p.m. Wednesday. All after-school, on-site activities for Wednesday night will be rescheduled or relocated and the school will be closed for the evening.

An e-mail also went out to the high school and district staff members and high school students, parents and guardians.

After a thorough assessment of the threat, it was determined that as a precaution the high school building will be searched and secured the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 19, Gruver said.

School will be dismissed at the regular time and after-school activities will continue as scheduled.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, police will provide extra security as a precaution. Prior Lake High School will not open until 6:45 a.m. on Thursday, Gruver said.

“We take all threats seriously and will continue to work closely with the Savage police to keep all students and staff safe,” Gruver said. “Threats of this nature are a felony offense and any person(s) involved will be prosecuted.”

Parents on the school’s list serve were notified as soon as possible and will receive updates and follow-up notifications about this incident as information is made possible, Gruver said.

If anyone has information about this threat, contact any school staff or the police liaison officer.

 Shawn Hogendorf can be reached at shogendorf@swpub.com.