BROOKINGS – Mickelson Middle School briefly entered lockdown at 1:55 p.m. Thursday after what Brookings School District Superintendent Klint Willert called a “safety concern that was brought to the attention of the middle school administration.”

Willert, citing that the situation involved juveniles and is undergoing police investigation, declined to offer specifics on what prompted the lockdown of the school.

“At no time was there any compromised safety concerns,” Willert said. “The Brookings Police Department responded quickly and promptly to sweep the building and grounds to ensure students were safe, and upon that review, they were able to again return the building back to normal operations at about 2:27 p.m.”

Shortly afterward, the school district released an official statement regarding the lockdown:

“(Thursday), March 30, 2017, at approximately 1:55 p.m. the administration at the Mickelson Middle School received notice that there may be a potential disturbance at the middle school. In response to the possible threat, the middle school entered into (lockdown) immediately.

“The Brookings Police Department was notified and responded on the scene to conduct a sweep of the building and to ensure the overall safety and security of the premises.

“At approximately 2:27 p.m., after a thorough review of the building, the Brookings Police Department notified the district that the premises was safe and secure and the students and staff could return to normal school functions.

“I want to assure everyone that throughout the incident, students and staff were safe. I am very proud of the prompt response to the potential incident by the Brookings Police Department, by the middle school administration and staff, as well as the middle school students.

At this time, the incident remains under investigation by the Brookings Police Department.”