Toledo Schools Warn of Fake Accounts Claiming Closures

District says impersonator accounts tried to cancel classes during cold weather

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Toledo Public Schools is warning the community about fraudulent social media accounts that are impersonating district administrators, including the superintendent, and falsely claiming that schools are closed due to weather conditions. The district says maintaining clear and accurate communication is a top priority and is urging parents, students, and staff to rely only on official TPS channels for updates.

Why it matters

Spreading misinformation about school closures can cause confusion and disruption in the community, especially during severe weather events when accurate information is critical. The district wants to ensure families and students have a trusted source for updates and don't fall victim to rumors or fake accounts.

The details

According to a TPS spokesperson, the fraudulent social media accounts have tried to claim that schools are canceled due to recent frigid weather in the Toledo region. The district did not provide a specific number of how many fake accounts have been found, but said any students involved in creating such accounts will face disciplinary action under the student code of conduct.

  • The fake accounts have appeared during a recent spate of cold weather in the Toledo area.

The players

Toledo Public Schools

The public school district serving the city of Toledo, Ohio.

Romules Durant

The superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, whose identity has been impersonated by the fraudulent social media accounts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Maintaining clear and accurate communication with our community is a top priority, and we urge parents, students, and staff to rely solely on official TPS communication channels for updates and to avoid the rumor mill and accounts that appear suspicious.”

— TPS Spokesperson

What’s next

The district says it will discipline any students found to be involved in creating the fraudulent accounts, in accordance with the student code of conduct.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of relying on official and verified sources of information, especially when it comes to critical updates like school closures. It also underscores the need for vigilance against the spread of misinformation on social media.