Classes began a little later than usual at Alexander Junior Highthis morning when students were held in the school’s parking lotwhile police officers investigated a bomb threat.

“This morning, the police department received a threat about abomb that would be set off in the gym,” said Brookhaven SchoolDistrict Superintendent Lea Barrett. “No child was ever allowed toenter the building. (Alexander Jr. High Principal LeVander) Germanhad teachers stationed at the parent and school bus drop-offs, andthey were immediately taken to a safe area.”

Students were escorted to the parking lot across the street fromthe school, where homeroom teachers took roll call to ensure allstudents were accounted for.

“The parents showed a lot of confidence in the district and thepolice department today,” Barrett said. “They were calm andappeared to have no reservations in dropping the kids off at schooltoday. They realize we are committed to ensuring their children’ssafety.”

Brookhaven Police Chief Pap Henderson said his departmentreceived the threat notification around 7:15 a.m. and mobilizedimmediately to investigate its legitimacy. Henderson said gymlockers and other areas were checked and nothing was found.

Students were allowed begin their regular schedules around 8a.m., when a detailed search found no evidence of explosives, hesaid.

“It was a very isolated area, and we were able to investigate itquickly with the number of officers we had on the scene,” Hendersonsaid.

Students were allowed to return to the classroom but will not beallowed in the gymnasium today, the superintendent said.

“We’re keeping the gym off limits to the children, and thepolice will continue to monitor it throughout the day,” Barrettsaid.

She complimented German and the school staff for keeping thedisturbance well ordered.

The principal assembled the students and faculty in theauditorium when they were allowed to re-enter the school to briefthem.

“He stressed that we are going to have school and we would notlet what appeared to be a prank stop education,” Barrett said. “Thestudents seemed to respond well to that, although safety willalways be our first priority.”

The police department is investigating the threat, Hendersonsaid.

“This is a very serious matter,” Henderson said. “We intend tofind out who made the calls and take appropriate action at thattime.”

The maximum penalty for making a false threat is a $10,000 fineand/or 10 years in prison, based on a state statute amended in2003, according to a spokesman for the district attorney’soffice.