By Paul Morello

FAIRBURY - Heightened security is continuing this week at Prairie Central High School after a vague Facebook threat last week.

Superintendent John Capasso said on Monday there is a police presence on the grounds and students must continue to keep all backpacks in their lockers.

"The education business needs to go on," he said. "Kids need to get back in the classroom to learn and we need to make the environment as comfortable as possible and we need to give all the assurance we can that this is a safe learning environment. This is a means to that end."

Increased security measures were put in place last Tuesday and Wednesday at the school after a vague Facebook post made reference to the fact that there are school shootings, although Prairie Central was not specifically referenced.

"Tuesday and Wednesday were incident-free days. They were very quiet, studious, scholarly days and we were very pleased about that and we expect that to continue," Capasso said.

He said the threat last week didn't seem credible, but police are investigating.

An automated phone message went out to parents Sunday night informing them of the extra security. Capasso hopes to wind down the extra security by the end of the week.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul@wjbc.com.