'Precautionary' lockdown at SHS

As a precautionary measure, Spencer High School students and staff members were advised to stay in their classrooms for approximately an hour Thursday afternoon.

According to Spencer Police Chief Mark Lawson, Jade Beehler, the high school's assistant principal, called the Spencer Police Department at 1:05 p.m. regarding a student they were concerned about.

"This afternoon, we handled a situation regarding a disciplinary issue with one of our students," Beehler explained following the dismissal of classes Thursday afternoon. "We took precautions to ensure the safety of all our students and staff. The issue was handled without incident and outside of the building. At no time were any of our students or staff in harm's way. And, I know the rumor that is out there -- but there were no weapons involved in this incident. None at all. There were no weapons involved in this situation."

When questioned further about the incident which caused a lockdown at Spencer High School, Beehler said, "I can't get into the specifics of the situation because it is a disciplinary issue with one of our students. ... But, that person was upset. A (staff member) had had a discipline issue (with the student), dealt with it the other day and had to deal with it again (Thursday). At no time were other students in harm's way. We just took precautions in case the student would happen to get upset."

The male student was not in the school building Thursday, a school official reported.

According to Lawson, Lt. Harold Harson located the SHS student outside the school building and then dropped him off at his home shortly before 2 p.m.

While Beehler addressed SHS students at the end of the day in regard to the situation, he also sat down with several staff members who'd been involved in it before visiting briefly with all staff following the school day.

"The situation is being handled on the child's end with his family," the SHS assistant principal said, also noting he feels comfortable with how the situation is being dealt with.

At this point, no formal charges have been filed. From the school district's perspective, further meetings will occur and an investigation will continue.