Threatening graffiti found at Glenbard East High School

The discovery of threatening graffiti in a bathroom led to an increased police presence and a drop in attendance Thursday at Glenbard East High School in Lombard.

Authorities continue to investigate the source of the graffiti that mentioned Thursday's date and included a "crude drawing of a firearm and the word 'kill' repeated," according to the school's website.

Officials said a student discovered the message Wednesday afternoon during school hours and reported it to a staff member and the police liaison.

This is the second threat discovered at the school in the past two weeks. Principal Josh Chambers said another, more generic message recently was discovered in a bathroom and also led officials to tighten security.

On Thursday, school officials and Lombard police worked together to bolster security and investigate both incidents. Chambers said he could not reveal whether officials suspect the same person is behind both graffiti messages.

"I've been asked not to speak to the specifics, since it is an ongoing police investigation," he said.

Parents were notified of the latest threat via Glenbard's automated phone and e-mail system and were allowed to remove their children from school without attendance penalties.

The earlier threat also was discussed with parents at an open house and via mass e-mail.

On Thursday, students were instructed to only enter through two sets of doors and were forbidden from bringing backpacks or large bags. Additional police and security personnel were stationed at each entrance and throughout the campus.

Chambers said school and police officials agreed it was proper to keep the building open.

"Our responsibility is to keep our kids safe, but to also make sure our response is reasonable and appropriate," Chambers said.

Officials are unsure how long the tightened security will last. If those responsible for the graffiti are caught, they will face expulsion from school, legal charges and civil damages associated with the disruptions they have caused.

"Our hope is to catch the person who did this and make sure they receive the maximum consequences," Chambers said. "But in talking with other principals from other high schools around the state, the reality is most high schools in the area have had a similar situation and, typically, these days pass with no incidents. We do take these situations very seriously, but we also know that operating security every day at the same level as today is not realistic."