Fridley schools closed Wednesday due to reported threat to school safety

Classes and activities were canceled Wednesday at Fridley Public Schools after what officials say was a “reported threat to school safety.”

In a message to staff and families, Fridley superintendent Brenda Lewis said a threat was made via the social media app Snapchat on Tuesday afternoon. Administrators alerted police, and an investigation is underway.

“Our hope is that not holding classes on Wednesday will allow police, including our school resource officers, to fully investigate and determine the origin of the threat,” Lewis wrote in the message.

After-school and evening events in Fridley school buildings were also canceled late Tuesday.

In a statement posted online, Fridley school officials did not elaborate on the nature of the threat. Administrators said they aren’t sharing more information while the police investigation is ongoing.

“We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause our families. We also encourage everyone to continue speaking up if they see or hear anything that could represent a potential school safety issue,” district officials said.

• A new lesson in higher education: Being OK with uncomfortable conversations
• Icy roads prompt some Minnesota school districts to delay start of classes
• In southern Minnesota, small-town schools plan as fears of Trump deportations rise