Bullet Found at FDR High School Prompts Hold in Place

Hyde Park School Hold in Place Sparks Concern

On Wednesday February 18th, 2026, parents across Dutchess County took to social media to share their concerns as a local school went into a "Hold in Place."

Parents shared that their children were texting them that they were in a hold in place at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park with no further details.

via Google Maps

A hold in place is, according to NYC Public Schools website, used for non-threatening, short term internal emergencies. During a hold in place, students and staff are required to stay in the classroom with the doors shut as the situation is cleared.

FDR would stay in that Hold in Place until school was dismissed.

Students were sharing what they knew with their parents, but no details were confirmed until later in the evening.

Bullet Found in FDR High School in Hyde Park

Around 6:30 pm the Hyde Park Police Department share an official statement from the Hyde Park Central School District about the hold in place incident during the school day.

In the press release the HPCSD writes "Earlier today, our Building Administration Team received a report that a .22 caliber bullet was located in a bathroom toilet."

Immediately after it was found local law enforcement was notified and the school was put in a hold in place "as a precaution."

The statement continues that there is "no information regarding a verifiable threat." With that being said "as an additional precautionary measure" they're adding more police to the school on Thursday, February 19th.

HPCSD Taking This Situation With The "Utmost Seriousness"

The Hyde Park Central School District including the Superintendent Dr. Pedro Roman and FDR High School Principal Michael Ruella understand the concern from parents.

In the press release they explain that there was false information making the rounds on social media, but that they were thankful for the opportunity to "share the facts of the situation" with parents.

They explain further writing:

Please understand that during an active law enforcement investigation, the District is unable to release specific details that could compromise the integrity of an investigation. This is not a matter of a lack of transparency, but rather a necessary step to ensure the process is handled thoroughly and correctly.

School officials state that they understand that incidents like a hold in place "evoke feelings of fear and anxiety for our students, staff and families" but that they take matters like this with the "utmost seriousness."

The full statement can be found below:

When more information is released we will update this story.