A threatening e-mail that referred to the Columbine High School shooting anniversary forced the Columbia-Brazoria Independent School District to increase security, and several other Houston-area school districts have followed suit. Hear More On School Security School officials at Columbia High School in West Columbia, Texas, said that a bomb threat was made over the Internet on April 1, prompting them to beef up security across the school district. Authorities said that the message read, "April 20, 2001, bomb will be placed inside -- HEKZ." FBI agents said that they have been able to track the e-mail to Georgia, but not found the sender of the message. Several students told News2Houston that they are afraid to go to school. But district officials said that everything is being done to keep the students, teachers and faculty safe. West Columbia police stopped and checked cars arriving at Columbia High School Friday. Investigators said that the only reason that they can come up with as to why a Columbia school was targeted is that it sounds like Columbine. Students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold stormed Columbine High, near Littleton, Colo., on April 20, 1999, scattering gunfire and setting off pipe bombs. They killed 12 classmates and a teacher and wounded 26 before committing suicide in the school's library.

School District Precautions

Alief Independent School District reports that they are taking steps, but do not want to release details. Houston Independent School District is under heightened alert. Fort Bend Independent School District is implementing their awareness program and has reviewed their crisis plans with the principals. Aldine Independent School District is also implementing their awareness program and are under heightened alert. Pasadena Independent School District has staffed their secondary and high schools with extra officers this week. They have also had their principals review their safety procedures with their staff. Cy Fair Independent School District has had bomb-sniffing dogs make daily sweeps through the schools. They have also had officers visible and assistance from Precinct 4. School administrations will also monitor the schools, parking lots and campuses. Previous Stories:

• April 19, 2001: Local School Districts Take Precautions On Anniversary
• April 18, 2001: Local School Tightens Security After Bomb Threat