10/05/2026
A message from Superintendent Dr. Josh Swanson:
Good evening, Eden Prairie Schools community,
Friday’s shooting at the Homecoming game continues to sit with many of us in different ways. I know my own feelings fluctuate from anger to sadness to gratitude, and much more. I also feel immense pride in how this situation was managed by our team and partners. However, the fact that we now know this targeted act of violence involved individuals from outside of our community further complicates the many feelings already there. Our schools, community events and public areas should be free from violence.
This message contains brief but important updates about our efforts to return to school tomorrow with additional support for both students and staff. To start, though, I want to make one thing clear: The heinous and sickening actions of a few do not define an entire community.
I have seen hateful messages spread online about entire communities based only on the ethnicities of those who perpetrated this act, and that is wrong. Our Somali students, neighbors and community members are just as outraged by what happened as everyone else, and each person deserves to feel safe and welcome in our schools and community. Threats, bullying or aggression of any kind against any member of our community will not be tolerated.
In Eden Prairie, our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We believe each person matters, which is why our mission is inspiring each student every day. Our community is stronger when we value the individual gifts and talents each person brings, and our deep care for our neighbors and friends defines our entire community. This is what makes Eden Prairie such an amazing place.
School will continue as planned for all schools and all grades tomorrow, Monday, October 5. We have spent this weekend preparing to support all students and staff as we return.
Additional important information:
-We continue to coordinate closely with our Emergency Management team, as well as the Eden Prairie Police Department. We have very strong emergency management practices and feel confident in the steps taken to keep our schools safe every day. See https://my.edenpr.org/emergency-management for more information.
-Our Juvenile Liaison Officers will continue to have a presence in our schools, just as they do on a regular basis, to support students and our safety practices. We do not anticipate any further violence, but as a show of support and partnership from the Eden Prairie Police Department, there may be additional law enforcement presence near schools this week.
-If anyone has a safety concern, they should speak with a trusted adult as soon as possible. EPHS students may also use the anonymous reporting form for concerns about bullying, safety or a need for mental health support (see email for link).
-We encourage students who would like to discuss and process what occurred to connect with a social worker, school counselor or other trusted adult. There are also many mental health resources available on our website (https://my.edenpr.org/mental-health) . If a family has concerns about their student, they should connect with their school’s principal or associate principal.
-Please watch for additional information that may be shared by your schools over the coming week.
In the last 48 hours, we have seen our community come together in ways big and small to support each other and move forward as one. That is what makes Eagle Nation so special — all the people who partner to support our schools, including each of you. You unite across differences and across communities, demonstrating deep care and resilience in challenging moments. And I know that will continue.
Dr. Josh Swanson
Superintendent
