Posted at: 11/19/2009 6:51 PM
By: Lorilyn Prestidge

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Threats at Mason City Schools

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- This has been a scary week for parents, students and school officials in Mason City after threatening graffiti was found in two school bathrooms.

The graffiti referenced a violent act that's supposed to take place at the school tomorrow.

Classes may seem to be going on as normal at Mason City High School Thursday, but school officials are on high-alert.

"We had some threatening graffiti, it was on the boys bathroom stalls, talking about school violence and another girl stall," said Director of Secondary Programs at Mason City High School, T.J. Jumper.

The school is not disclosing what was written on the stalls, but it's not something it's taking lightly.

Students and visitors are now only able to leave the building through one location; the school is searching some bags and purses and not allowing bags in the hallways between classes.

"I made an announcement yesterday to the students at both the high school and middle school to let them know these are the steps we are taking so you're not surprised," said Jumper.

In addition, two officers are staying at the school at all times and the school has brought on extra staff to monitor hallways.

"The high school staff and officers are interviewing possible witnesses, there are some other people of interest," said Mason City Police Department Captain Mike McKelvery.

Last night the school district swept the entire building.

"Happy to say there wasn't anything in the building and were going to continue steps over the next few days until further notice," said T.J. Jumper.

Still some parents are concerned.

"I hear about something like this and it makes me think twice about sending them to school makes me think I want to home school them instead," said parent Joelle Chamney.

As of right now the school says it has several leads.

"I'm confident one of those leads will turn up the person who did it," said Jumper.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their children and any one with information is asked to come forward.

The school says the person or persons responsible for the graffiti will face disciplinary action.