A bomb threat disrupted Clinton-Massie schools for about two hours Friday.

However, the threat wasn’t like those that have plagued other area schools recently — this threat was handwritten on a bathroom wall, according to Col. Brian Prickett of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.

“There’s nothing to make us think it’s legitimate, but of course we’re taking every precaution,” Prickett told the News Journal at about 10:50 a.m. Friday. He said an “all call” was sent to CM parents.

According to CM Superintendent Matt Baker, the elementary school was placed on lockdown and the middle school and high school were evacuated, with those students sent to the athletic complex.

Prickett said the schools, including lockers, were canvassed by sheriff’s deputies and school staff. A K9 unit from the Dayton Police Department searched the schools and found nothing, Baker said.

“We don’t feel it was a credible threat; it was probably done as a joke or to cause disruption,” said Baker. “But we felt that the emergency process should kick in, and of course safety is our number-one concern.”

Baker said students’ parents were notified of the incident once everyone was evacuated, and again prior to a return to classes, which occurred at about 11:30 a.m.

Students and staff were let out early Friday, but early dismissal was already in the plans for that day due to scheduled teacher professional development.

Baker said he thought students and staff “followed emergency procedures to a T.”

“I’d like to commend the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department for their quick response and diligent actions,” Baker added. “They were excellent, very helpful in the whole process.” Baker also thanked the Dayton Police Department for responding to the request for a bomb-sniffing dog.

Baker said that authorities are looking at identifying the person who made the threat and, once identified, that person would be disciplined at the school level as well as “to the fullest extent of the law.”

Anyone with information on the threat is asked to contact the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 937-382-1611 or leave a tip at www.clintonsheriff.com.