Authorities determine threats to Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan schools are not credible, but caution prevails.
Category: Education
All schools in Minnesota’s Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District 196 were closed on March 17, 2026, following multiple voicemail threats discovered early that morning. The closure was announced after district officials received the threats around 3:30 a.m., leading to a swift decision to cancel classes at approximately 5:45 a.m., as a precautionary measure.
District leaders emphasized the decision to close schools was made out of an abundance of caution, and they stated that the day would not be considered an e-learning day. Employees were instructed not to report to work, further underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
According to the Eagan Police Department, which is leading the investigation in collaboration with neighboring law enforcement agencies and the FBI, the threats were traced back to out of state. While the police have not confirmed the credibility of these threats, they have also not ruled them out entirely. Lt. Nate Tennessen of the Eagan Police stated, “With students and staff preparing to arrive, ISD 196 made the decision to close schools out of an abundance of caution.”
Officials did not provide specific details regarding the content of the threats, but they assured the community that updates would be shared as more information becomes available. The police are urging anyone with information related to the threats to contact them at 651-675-5700.
District 196 is one of Minnesota's largest school districts, serving over 29,000 students across more than 30 schools, including 20 elementary schools, six middle schools, and four high schools. The district's closure on Tuesday marks a significant disruption, particularly as it follows a similar incident just three months prior. In December 2025, a 16-year-old boy from Eagan was charged with four counts of threats of violence related to similar threats that had targeted schools in the district and neighboring Burnsville-Eagan-Savage ISD 191.
In that previous incident, authorities later concluded there was no active threat, and classes resumed the following day. The 16-year-old was ultimately placed on probation with several conditions, including community service and restrictions on social media use. This history of threats has raised concerns among parents and educators alike, highlighting the ongoing challenges schools face regarding safety.
As investigations continued into the current situation, the Eagan Police Department expressed confidence in the safety of the community. “Based on the information gathered, we believe the threats directed at our schools are not credible and do not pose a danger to our community,” Tennessen added. The FBI, which has taken over as the lead investigative agency, is working closely with local law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.
In light of the recent threats, Pamela Revels, president of the National Association of School Resource Officers, noted the increasing prevalence of such incidents. “It used to be the bomb threat to get you out of math class,” she remarked. “But in recent years, we’ve seen a tremendous uptick of robo calls, swatting calls, and just individual calls. Everything has to be taken seriously until you can say, ‘We are safe.'”
The closure of schools in District 196 also coincided with other Minnesota school districts experiencing delays or switching to e-learning due to weather conditions, as many communities continued to recover from a significant snowstorm over the weekend. This added layer of complexity has made the situation even more challenging for families and students.
Superintendent Michael Bolsoni acknowledged the difficulties posed by the school closures and expressed empathy for affected families. “We recognize that situations like this can be unsettling for children and families,” he stated. In his message, he included resources for families to help them navigate discussions about safety with their children.
As the day progressed, local law enforcement and school district officials remained committed to ensuring the safety of students and staff. While the threats were ultimately deemed not credible, the response from the community and law enforcement highlights the importance of vigilance in the face of potential dangers.
As investigations continue, the district has announced that classes will resume on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. District officials are hopeful that the swift actions taken in response to the threats will reinforce a sense of security within the community.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges schools face in maintaining safety amid rising concerns about threats and violence. As authorities work to address these issues, the community remains vigilant, emphasizing the need for cooperation and communication between law enforcement, school officials, and families.
In a world where threats to safety have become all too common, the response from the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District illustrates the complexities of ensuring student security while navigating the uncertainties that such incidents bring. The community's resilience and commitment to safety will undoubtedly play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges.