April 7, 2025
SPARTA, Wis. – In a series of public statements throughout Monday morning, Sparta police and school officials say a classroom hold was initiated and then lifted a short time later after a bullet was found in a classroom. Messaging was sent to parents by District personnel to keep parents informed and updated regarding the situation throughout the day.
That messaging stated that the Sparta High School administration was made aware that one bullet that was found in a classroom on Monday morning. A classroom hold was announced and the Sparta Police Department promptly responded and assisted school administration and staff conducting interviews and searches. The investigation resulted in no firearm being discovered on campus and there was no known threat to any students or staff. Students returned to their classrooms and building activities in their normal schedule. The statements also said the Sparta Police Department would have an increased presence at the school the remainder of the day.
A classroom hold is when administrators clear hallways and students remain in classrooms until directed differently. During a hold students and staff conduct business as usual inside the classroom. Classroom doors are locked and closed and all students and adults are accounted for.
In another statement later in the day on Monday, the Police Department and school staff say they worked cooperatively to gather evidence and they were able to identify a suspect who was removed from the school. The suspect will be referred to Monroe County Human Services Youth Justice.
The Sparta Area School District expressed their gratitude to the Sparta Police Department for the quick response and instructions provided by officers during their investigation, and to the families and community for their response to this situation.
Sparta Area School District has threat assessment and response protocols in place to address incidents in cooperation with local law enforcement and emergency responders. Sparta Area School District administration said they take every report of threats seriously. If you see something, please say something and the administration will follow up. The district utilizes the Speak Up Speak Out Wisconsin program which is an anonymous reporting program. (800) 697-8776 speakup.widoj.gov.
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