Timberline calls off homecoming events, as police investigate ‘disturbing’ threat against a student

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on October 6, 2026

BOISE, Idaho (IdahoEdNews) — Boise school officials have called off homecoming activities at Timberline High School, as police investigate an online threat targeting a Timberline student.

According to an online petition, members of Timberline’s football team went on the Snapchat social media platform and “called for a female student to be raped and killed.”

On Tuesday, Boise School District and Timberline officials said all homecoming events have been postponed, except for the homecoming dance, which was scheduled for Saturday. Originally, district officials had planned to postpone the homecoming football game, which had been scheduled for Thursday. But on Tuesday evening, the district canceled the game, which Timberline will now forfeit.

“Given the seriousness of the circumstances involving recent student social media posts and ongoing concerns about student safety and well-being, we believe cancellation is the most responsible decision,” Superintendent Wendy Johnson, district Area Director Shelley Bonds and Timberline Principal Chad Wright said in an email to district families and staff. “Our priority is ensuring students and staff are safe and supported while providing the Timberline school community time to process what has occurred.”

On Tuesday afternoon, in a separate email to Timberline families and staff, district and school leaders said “growing concerns over student safety” factored into their postponement decision.

“This is not a decision made easily or lightly,” Johnson, Bonds and Wright wrote. “Homecoming is so much more than one game, one parade or one dance, it is a celebration of current, future and past students and the families, educators and community who support them. However, given the heightened emotions, threats of violence, and the simple need to pause, reflect and process, we believe it is not only the prudent decision, but the right one as well.”

An “additional police presence” is on site at Timberline, district officials said in a question-and-answer page on the reported threat.

Boise school officials have called the reported threat “disturbing.” However, the district and the Boise Police Department have said little about the case — which began to unfold Friday, when school officials contacted Boise Police’s school resource officer unit.

“With an active investigation and the potential involvement of minors, we are limited to what we can share,” Johnson, Bonds and Wright said in a Sunday evening message to Timberline parents and staff. “While respecting privacy limits, we want to be as open, honest and transparent as possible to assure you that there is zero tolerance for the type of behavior and language attributed to any member of our school community. This is not who we are and we will not be defined by the actions of a few.”

“Officers have been in contact with the Boise School District as part of the ongoing investigation,” Boise police said in a statement Monday. “We do not have additional details to share at this time.”

Boise police had no new information on the investigation, spokeswoman Haley Williams said Tuesday afternoon.

The online petition calls for the expulsion of the unidentified students who made the threat, and had urged the Timberline community to boycott the homecoming game. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 11,000 people signed the petition.

“This incident is not just about a single event but highlights a pattern of behavior that needs immediate attention and resolution,” the petition said.

While the petition calls on school administrators to take “immediate and decisive action,” district officials are deferring to the police department. They say Boise police have asked them “to pause any internal action … so as not to jeopardize” the investigation.

“The district will begin the formal investigation once law enforcement informs us that we may proceed,” Boise district officials said on its question-and-answer page. “Even if the police investigation does not lead to criminal charges, the district’s investigation continues independently. The laws governing criminal behavior and school policies are separate and distinct. A situation that does not meet the legal threshold for criminal charges may still constitute a violation of school policy, which carries different standards and potential administrative outcomes.”

Boise police are asking anyone with information on the case to call (208) 377-6790.

Boise district statement

Here is the district’s full statement from Tuesday evening:

After careful deliberation, the Boise School District has decided to cancel this week’s Homecoming football game between Timberline and Kuna, which we announced earlier today would be postponed(opens in new tab). The game will not be rescheduled, and Timberline will forfeit the game.

Given the seriousness of the circumstances involving recent student social media posts and ongoing concerns about student safety and well-being, we believe cancellation is the most responsible decision. Our priority is ensuring students and staff are safe and supported while providing the Timberline school community time to process what has occurred.

As announced earlier today, the Homecoming Dance will proceed as scheduled. Student Council expressed a desire to keep the dance, and we have determined that this tradition can continue with additional security measures. Security personnel, our School Resource Officer (SRO), and additional law enforcement will be present. The dance will take place in a controlled indoor space without spectators, allowing for more closely managed access and supervision than a football stadium.

We recognize the disappointment this cancellation brings to our football players, band members, cheerleaders, other student groups, and the many families and supporters who were looking forward to celebrating together. We appreciate the time, effort, and school spirit our students, coaches, advisers, and staff have invested in Homecoming.

We are working to reschedule all other postponed Homecoming activities and will share an announcement when further information is available.

Thank you for your understanding as we work through this difficult time together. Students who need support are encouraged to reach out to a school counselor or trusted adult.

Sincerely,

Chad Wright, Timberline Principal
Shelley Bonds, Area Director
Wendy Johnson, Superintendent