Alma Center School District custodian accused of making terrorist threats to teachers

JACKSON COUNTY, Wis. (WEAU) - A custodian with the Alma Center School District is accused of making terrorist threats to teachers in the school district.

A criminal complaint shows 42-year-old Cortney Aldinger is charged in Jackson County Court with one count of terrorist threats.

According to the criminal complaint, on Nov. 5, 2026, at around 5:29 p.m., authorities were contacted to investigate a threat at the Alma Center High School. The superintendent reported that a custodian had found a message written in marker on the paper towel dispenser in the boys restroom that read, in large black letters: “Teachers Die November 6 at 2pm”

The school was closed the next day due to the threatening message.

Video surveillance during the approximate time of the incident shows custodian Cortney Aldinger outside of the bathroom with her cart. Video surveillance indicates she put a marker in her back pocket. She approaches the boys’ bathroom to see if anyone is looking before reaching in her back pocket and going and into the bathroom with no cleaning supplies. Moments later there is the sound of the paper towel dispenser being touched.

According to the criminal complaint, at the end of the school day, Aldinger reported hearing some potentially threatening comments by a student.

After the threatening message was discovered, Aldinger texted the superintendent and wrote: “Thank you for taking everything that happened today so serious, when I was in school when things like that happened nothing would be done about it and it was swept under the rug!! I’m definitely glad we have a SA that cares about everyone!!” and “I’m sure you will catch whoever did it!! I’m probably gonna keep my kiddo home just in case.”

A deputy noted consistencies between Aldinger’s handwriting in her statement and the threat. There were inconsistencies between Aldinger’s account of events and the video footage.

Authorities interviewed Aldinger on the evening of Nov. 6, 2026, and she denied writing the message.

Online court records show a $1,000 signature bond is set for Aldinger and an initial court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 7, 2026.

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