District 196 Closes Four High Schools, Both Burnsville High Schools Close, Following Additional Social Media Threats
Published: December 16, 2025 | Last Updated: December 16, 2025 at 3 PM.
3 PM Update: 16-Year-Old Arrested After Series of School Threats Across Burnsville and Apple Valley
Burnsville/Savage - 1PM: We are aware of the online social media threat now for Nicollet and Eagle Ridge middle schools . We have confirmed that the police are aware of it and investigating and that school officials are aware.
Burnsville - 11:15AM:
The City of Burnsville says the Burnsville Police Department is working closely with ISD 191 admin regarding potential threats directed at Burnsville High School. They say the threats are being taken seriously and an active investigation is underway. They say additional info will be shared as it becomes available.
Apple Valley Police Press Release - 9:20 AM:
On Monday, December 15, 2025, at approximately 6:45 PM, the Apple Valley Police Department was contacted regarding potential threats made via social media. Officers were informed of multiple concerning messages posted online that referenced possible harm directed at several high schools within Independent School District 196.
Apple Valley Detectives are actively investigating the origin of these posts and working to identify the individuals responsible. The investigation includes efforts to trace the online accounts used to disseminate the threats.
The Apple Valley Police Department is working closely with ISD 196 administration to ensure they have the most current and accurate information. This partnership allows school officials to make informed decisions regarding student safety, including potential school closures or other precautionary measures.
The investigation remains ongoing. The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
BURNSVILLE, MN - 9:15 AM: We have confirmed that Burnsville High School and Burnsville Alternative High School have also closed. Students will reportedly be getting escorted to their buses and vehicles. Burnsville HS parents are being told to check their emails for more information.
ORIGINAL STORY - DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA - Independent School District 196 has closed all four of its high schools and two additional schools for Tuesday, December 16, 2025, following additional social media threats reported late Monday night and brought to the attention of law enforcement and school administrators.
The closures affect Eastview High School (EVHS), Apple Valley High School (AVHS), Eagan High School (EHS), the Eagan Area Learning Center, the School of Environmental Studies, and Rosemount High School (RHS).
In a districtwide email sent to families early Tuesday morning, December 16, 2025, District 196 officials said they had received notification of potential online threats directed at district high schools and decided to close schools out of an abundance of caution while law enforcement continues its investigation.
“Safety is always our first priority,” the district stated. “District 196 has received notification of potential online threats toward 196 High Schools today. We are working with local law enforcement.”
Timeline of Events
The decision to close schools follows an ongoing investigation that began Sunday night, when a concerning social media message allegedly referencing a threat toward Eastview and Apple Valley High Schools was reported to authorities.
According to the Apple Valley Police Department (AVPD), Eastview’s and Apple Valley High School Resource Officers (SRO) and school administrators immediately investigated the post. After reviewing the available information, officials determined that no credible threat had been identified, and both high schools remained open on Monday.
Throughout Monday, the same message continued to circulate online and was repeatedly reported to school officials and police. In response, Eastview High School and Apple Valley High School Principals sent a safety update to families, reiterating that the investigation had found no credible threat and asking the community not to repost or amplify unverified social media content, which can increase anxiety and complicate investigations.
Second Reported Threat Prompts Closures
Late Monday night, a second reported social media threat was brought to the attention of police and District 196 administrators. Following that report, district officials made the decision to close all four high schools on Tuesday to allow law enforcement time to investigate the situation fully.
In its message to families, the district confirmed that:
High schools are closed for the day
Students who were already at school on Tuesday morning are being dismissed in an orderly fashion
School buses are returning students home
District officials emphasized that the closures are precautionary and not based on any confirmed or imminent threat.
Limitless Media has received copies of the threats that were circulating on social media since Sunday night. We will not share or post them.
Elementary and Middle Schools Remain in Session
All elementary, middle school, and non-high-school buildings are in session as usual today as the threats appear to be directed only toward the high schools.
Ongoing Investigation
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Apple Valley Police Department, continue to investigate the reported online threats. Authorities say they take all reports seriously, even when the information is vague or unverified. Rosemount Police have confirmed that both their School Resource officers and officers are assisting Apple Valley Police and other agencies in investigating these threats.
Police continue to encourage anyone with direct knowledge of a specific or immediate threat to contact law enforcement by calling 911. General questions about attendance or school operations should be directed to the individual school offices.
As of publication, no arrests have been announced in connection with the investigation.
District officials say they will share additional updates with families as more information becomes available.
Related News - Monday, December 15, 2025: Eastview & Apple Valley High Schools, Apple Valley Police Investigate Social Media Message; No Credible Threat Identified
Email from District 196 the morning of December 16, 2025.
Written by: Will Wight
