In a precautionary move, a prominent school district in the south metro area has decided to close all its high schools on Tuesday following a threat received by district officials. Public School District 196, which operates several high schools including Apple Valley, Eastview, Rosemount, and Eagan High Schools, along with the Area Learning Center and School of Environmental Studies, announced the closures to ensure student safety as law enforcement investigates the situation.
In a message disseminated via social media and sent directly to families, school officials emphasized that the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” to allow for a thorough investigation. They reassured parents that elementary and middle schools within the district would remain operational, and students present on campus Tuesday morning are being dismissed in an orderly manner, with transportation provided to return them home.
As the situation develops, District 196’s high school campuses will also be inaccessible to media and visitors. Officials have committed to providing further updates as they unfold.
In a related incident, Independent School District 191 has also announced the closure of Burnsville High School due to a separate online threat received overnight. Students at Burnsville will begin dismissal around 9:20 a.m., with buses scheduled to transport them home as per their usual routes. Staff members are staying on site until all students have safely left the building, with district officials collaborating closely with local police to address the recent threat.
These closures reflect the districts’ commitment to prioritizing student safety amidst concerning circumstances, demonstrating a proactive approach in the face of potential risks.