Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District takes precautionary measures amid ongoing investigation into threats.
Category: Education
All schools in Minnesota’s Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District 196 are closed on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, after multiple voicemail threats were reported to district officials early in the morning. The decision to close the schools was made around 5:45 a.m. out of an abundance of caution, as the district prioritized the safety of its students and staff.
The threats were first discovered at approximately 3:30 a.m., prompting district leaders to immediately contact law enforcement. The Eagan Police Department is leading the investigation, working alongside neighboring agencies to determine the origin and nature of the threats. However, as of now, police have stated that they cannot confirm the credibility of the threats nor rule them out entirely.
In a statement, Eagan Police Lt. Nate Tennessen emphasized the seriousness of the situation: “Our investigators are actively working with neighboring law enforcement agencies and the school district to determine the origin and nature of these threats. At this time, we are unable to confirm the threats as credible, nor have we been able to rule them out entirely.”
Officials have not released detailed information about the content of the threats, but they are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Eagan Police Department at 651-675-5700. The district has also instructed employees not to report to work on Tuesday, clarifying that the closure is not an e-learning day.
District 196 is one of Minnesota’s largest school districts, serving approximately 29,000 students across more than 30 schools, including 20 elementary schools, six middle schools, and four high schools. This closure marks the second time in three months that the district has faced similar threats. In December 2025, a 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with threats that targeted several high schools in the district and its neighboring Burnsville-Eagan-Savage ISD 191.
In that earlier incident, classes were canceled for the day, and although firearms were seen in videos related to the threats, police did not find any weapons during a search of the teenager's home. The boy was charged with four felony counts of threats of violence with intent to terrorize.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge. The closure comes just a day after schools in the district were closed due to a significant snowstorm that impacted the area. Several other schools in Minnesota have also delayed the start of classes or switched to e-learning due to the weather conditions.
In light of the recent threats, Pamela Revels, president of the National Association of School Resource Officers, commented on the increasing prevalence of such incidents: “It used to be the bomb threat to get you out of math class. But in recent years, we’ve seen a tremendous uptick of robo calls, swatting calls, and then just individual calls. Everything has to be taken seriously until you can say, ‘We are safe.'”
Revels also noted that law enforcement evaluations of threats involve assessing how the threat was delivered and the content of the message. “It’s an intense situation because you don’t want to make the wrong decision,” she explained. “And when things like this happen, it’s an additional stress to the community.”
As students and families navigate this unsettling situation, the district has committed to keeping the community informed. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the investigation and any decisions related to the reopening of schools.
In the meantime, parents and guardians are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The safety of students and staff remains the top priority for the district and law enforcement agencies involved.
This developing story highlights ongoing concerns about school safety and the measures that educational institutions must take to protect their communities. As the investigation unfolds, the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District is taking every precaution necessary to ensure the well-being of its students and staff during this challenging time.
As authorities continue their investigation, the community is urged to remain calm but alert. The district has reassured families that they will provide further updates as the situation develops, reinforcing their commitment to student safety.