FARRELL, Pa. - A beefed-up police presence is planned at Farrell Area Schools following what Superintendent Lora Adams-King has called a “sick, sad hoax.”

Additional police are just one of the increased security measures being implemented in the system, said Dr. Adams-King in an open letter to parents posted online following Wednesday’s incident when a 911 call was made claiming there was an active shooter inside Farrell High School.

First responders conducted a sweep of the high school and elementary buildings before it was learned that the report was not credible, and there was never a shooter on the school campus.  

It turns out that Farrell wasn’t the only school system to be victimized by the hoax.  Authorities say school districts across the state received similar false threats.

“As a parent and now grandparent of current Farrell students, I understand how you feel (and felt) today,” Dr. Adams-King wrote to parents.  “Each day you send your child/family member to school with the expectation of them coming home safely.  That expectation is realistic and should always be realized.”

In announcing additional safety measures for the school system,  the Superintendent said that she would not be providing details of current or planned measures due to security concerns.

The schools are offering professional counseling for any student struggling to cope with Wednesday’s threat.