Advocate staff photo by Bill Feig

Donald Ruffin, custodian at Pointe Coupee Central High School, uses a scraper with a sharp blade Tuesday to remove painted graffiti from the glass window of a door at the school.

The school will reopen today.

Superintendent Greg Grimes said the maintenance supervisor notified him about 6:30 a.m. of the obscenities and a threat to blow up the school painted on the school's glass doors.

By that time, Grimes said, "It was too late to stop the buses."

He said the Sheriff's Office immediately began an investigation and recommended that school officials dismiss students from classes to preserve the integrity of any evidence.

Throughout the day Tuesday, employees worked to repaint posts and remove graffiti from brick and glass using paint thinner.

Much of the damage was on the walls surrounding a courtyard in the center of the campus.

"Our early indications are that perhaps these are former students," Grimes said.

Grimes said he was optimistic that law enforcement would conclude its investigation Tuesday. As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests had been made, sheriff's officials said.

"We are ready to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law," Grimes said. "There will be no consideration given to dropping or reducing the charges."

Grimes said he understands that some students shared information leading to the development of suspects.

"That's a good thing," he said.

He said the incident, although disheartening, gives school officials an opportunity to increase pride and protectiveness of the school.

"It's disheartening because we were working diligently to improve the school and continue our reform efforts," Grimes said. "If we're not careful, it could be a setback."

Sheriff's Lt. Kevin McDonald said the incident remains under investigation, but declined to provide further information.

"We were advised not to make any further comment," McDonald said.

But, he added, "it's a good possibility we will make some arrests."