Message prompts safety discussion in St. Charles schools

St. Charles school officials plan to reopen a discussion on safety precautions in response to a potentially threatening message found late Tuesday in a North High School bathroom.

Superintendent Don Schlomann said Wednesday that police have no reason to believe the note was a legitimate threat. However, it has prompted school administrators to take a closer look at security measures.

"That certainly has heightened awareness to me, and I'll be talking to the (school) board about some plans that might be possible," Schlomann said. "This district, I think, needs to talk more about safety and security."

Citing an ongoing investigation, Schlomann declined to discuss the exact nature of the message. He also would not say whether it was found in a restroom specifically for boys or girls.

"The police do not believe it's credible," he said. "One reason is, it was written in pencil, and the only way it could have been written was sitting on the toilet."

Officials are examining writing samples in hopes of matching one to the source of Tuesday's note, while classes remain on schedule.

Meanwhile, Schlomann said, the district might consider adding electronic door locks, cameras and other "passive measures."