Minneapolis Southwest High closed Wednesday over credible threat

Southwest High School was shut down Wednesday because of a credible threat.

In an automated telephone call, Principal Bill Smith notified parents and families Tuesday evening that the school would be closed and that the Minneapolis police were investigating the threat.

"The safety of students and staff is paramount, which is why we made the decision to close," Smith told parents.

The threat came in Tuesday night, school officials said, declining to characterize the nature of the threat. They were unsure when Southwest would reopen.

All other school events Wednesday, including community education classes, athletic events and extracurricular activities, also were canceled.

All other Minneapolis district schools will be open Wednesday.

School officials urged Southwest students to participate in classroom discussions and do coursework online as much as possible on Wednesday.

Mary Lynn Smith