Karen Hendricks, The Carmel School District Interim Superintendent and Chief Human Resources Officer, sent this message late Sunday to the Carmel Unified School District Community:

“I regret the need to contact you with this information, but students safety and transparent communication are priorities to Carmel Unified School District.

Late this afternoon we were contacted by the Sheriff’s Department about an anonymous online bomb/shooting threat mentioning Carmel High School. Principal Rick Lopez, Chief Student Services Officer Heath Rocha and I worked through the course of the evening with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. At this time, and as a result of the threat being posted on an anonymous social media site, the Sheriff’s office is unable to determine a source of the threat.

Safety is our highest priority. We have had two security guards on campus since learning about the concern and they will remain on campus throughout the night. Law enforcement will be conducting a sweep of the campus tonight as well. You will also see Sheriff’s Deputies present at the school tomorrow morning with site and district staff.

We look forward to welcoming our students back from break week tomorrow morning. “