Security will be increased at Salina Central High School for the second day in a row on Friday. Salina USD 305 Superintendent Dr. Bill Hall and Salina Police Captain Mike Sweeney briefed the media Thursday afternoon on the status of an investigation into a threat that was made toward the school.

On Tuesday a note was found by a school staff member at Central. The note gave a vague description that there will be violence committed in the school. The next day, a cell phone was found in one of the school offices that appeared to have been shot with a firearm.

In response, the school increased security Thursday. There was an increased police presence, school walk-throughs, and officials were monitoring access to the building.

Sweeney says that the note did not give a specific date or time, it simply expressed that there was going to be violence. He added that investigators are not sure if it is connected to the cell phone, or exactly why the cell phone was left in the office.

Hall said that about 150 students, with the approval of their parents, chose not to attend school at Central on Thursday. That’s about 15 percent of the student body. About 200 others were away, attending a previously scheduled music event in Hays.

Hall said that it was “business as usual” Thursday at the school, saying that everyone was safe. He added that the treat was specific to Central, and no other schools are effected.

Plans are for increased security again on Friday. After that, they’ll take it day-by-day.

Sweeney added that whether increased or not, there is alway a police presence at both Salina public high schools. Each school has a school resource officer permanently assigned to it.

If caught the person, or persons, responsible for the note could face a felony charge of making criminal threats.