BHS graduation ceremony to be held at University of St. Thomas

The 2026 Burnsville High School graduation ceremony will be held at the University of St. Thomas on Sunday, May 31 in the school’s new Anderson Arena.

Superintendent Dr. Latanya Daniels announced the plan at the Nov. 6 Board of Education meeting, noting that the venue and staff will have experience hosting more than 100 large events - including some college graduations - before Burnsville High School holds its graduation there next spring. 

“I know that this is a significant change for this community - both in terms of the location of the ceremony and also the date - but I believe it will help us ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for students, families and staff,” Dr. Daniels said. 

Graduation ceremonies have traditionally been held on the Friday after the last day of school, which would have been June 5, 2026. However, dates and appropriate venues were both limited as many high schools have moved their graduation ceremonies off campus in recent years, and especially after the University of Minnesota announced that Mariucci Arena would no longer host ceremonies starting this year. 

The District 191 Board of Education directed Dr. Daniels and school staff to find an off-campus location for graduation earlier this fall, citing several factors, including the fact that other venues are better designed to handle large crowds and provide a safer, more controlled experience for students, staff and families. 

Specific details about the event - including information about tickets and transportation - are still being finalized and will be communicated to families when they are available.