South St. Paul Schools Close, Shift to E-Learning Amid Safety Concerns
Published: March 18, 2026.
SOUTH ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - South St. Paul Public Schools closed all schools on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, transitioning students to an e-learning day following what officials described as a “safety concern.”
The announcement was made around 7 a.m., with district leaders emphasizing the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” as they work with local law enforcement.
“Our district has been working closely with the local police department, and we are taking this step to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community,” the district said in a statement.
At this time, school officials say there are no additional details being released about the nature of the concern. Families were advised to monitor district communications for updates and guidance regarding e-learning.
Part of Broader Twin Cities School Threat Investigation
Wednesday’s closure comes just one day after widespread school disruptions across the south metro tied to threats targeting schools in Independent School District 196.
As previously reported by Limitless Media, ISD 196, which serves communities including Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount, and surrounding areas, canceled classes on Tuesday, March 17, after multiple schools received threatening voicemails overnight. You can find that full story here: Out-of-State “Swatting”-Style Threat Prompts ISD 196 School Closures; FBI Now Leading Investigation
The messages were discovered around 3:30 a.m., prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.
Authorities later confirmed the threats were part of a broader pattern impacting schools across the Twin Cities metro and beyond, consistent with “swatting”-style incidents seen nationwide. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has since taken a lead role in the investigation, working alongside local agencies.
Heightened Caution Across Districts
While it is not yet confirmed whether the South St. Paul incident is directly connected to the ISD 196 threats, the timing suggests districts are taking heightened precautions amid ongoing concerns. School districts across the metro have increasingly coordinated with local police departments and federal authorities in response to similar threats, prioritizing rapid response and student safety.
In South St. Paul, officials stressed that the closure was a proactive measure.
“We understand this may be unexpected, and we appreciate your flexibility,” the district said. “We will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.”
What Families Should Know
All South St. Paul Public Schools buildings are closed on Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Students are expected to participate in e-learning
No additional details about the safety concern have been released
Updates will be provided through official district communication channels
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the threats impacting schools across the region. Officials have not released information about any suspects or specific origins of the threats.
Authorities continue to urge the public to take all threats seriously while also recognizing that many recent incidents have been hoaxes designed to disrupt schools and emergency services.
Written by: Will Wight
