BOX ELDER, S.D. – Students at Douglas High School in Box Elder were dismissed earlier today following a bomb threat.

In a social media post, the Douglas School District stated:

“Students at Douglas High School are evacuating the building this morning in response to a reported bomb threat. At this time, we believe the threat may be a hoax, consistent with similar incidents reported across the country. However, out of an abundance of caution, all students and staff at the high school are being safely evacuated while authorities thoroughly check the building.

Students in our other buildings are being placed in secure status, remaining inside until the threat has been cleared.

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will share additional updates as more information becomes available.”

By early Thursday afternoon, the district had stated that only Douglas High School would be dismissed and All other Douglas Schools would remain in Secure Status. They were asking parents to not pick up their elementary or middle school students, noting students would be safe in their school buildings.

The district said the Douglas High School building is in the process of being thoroughly checked by authorities.