Summary (tl;dr)

High schools within Minnesota's District 196, including Rosemount and Eagan High Schools, are closed today, December 16, 2025, following "potential threats" reported on social media, prompting law enforcement investigation.

Essential Background

School districts routinely implement safety protocols, which can include closures, in response to various threats or emergencies. In this instance, the closures are a direct result of reported online threats that raised immediate safety concerns, requiring a precautionary measure by school officials.

The Full Story

On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Independent School District 196 announced the closure of all its high schools, specifically Apple Valley High School, Eagan High School, Eastview High School, and Rosemount High School, as well as the Area Learning Center and School of Environmental Studies. This decision was made "out of an abundance of caution" following "notification of potential threats" received by the district. These threats were reportedly online messages referencing possible harm directed at several high schools within District 196. Local law enforcement, including the Apple Valley Police Department, is actively investigating the origin of these posts and working to identify the individuals responsible. In a related development, neighboring District 191 also closed Burnsville High School and Burnsville Alternative High School due to similar online threats. While high schools are closed, elementary and middle schools within District 196 are operating as normal. Students who had already arrived at the closed high schools were dismissed in an orderly fashion and transported home by bus.

Why It Matters

These trending keywords indicate significant public concern among students, parents, and community members regarding school safety. The swift action by school districts and law enforcement highlights the serious nature of online threats and the proactive measures taken to ensure student and staff well-being. These closures disrupt daily routines and education, underscoring the profound impact such threats have on communities and the ongoing efforts to address and mitigate potential dangers in schools.

Geographic Location

• Apple Valley High School, Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, United States (closure due to potential threats)
• Eagan High School, Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota, United States (closure due to potential threats)
• Eastview High School, Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, United States (closure due to potential threats)
• Rosemount High School, Rosemount, Dakota County, Minnesota, United States (closure due to potential threats)
• Independent School District 196, Dakota County, Minnesota, United States (closure of Area Learning Center and School of Environmental Studies due to potential threats)
• Burnsville High School, Burnsville, Dakota County, Minnesota, United States (closure due to online threat)
• Burnsville Alternative High School, Burnsville, Dakota County, Minnesota, United States (closure due to online threat)
• Apple Valley Police Department, Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, United States (investigating online threats)