Yes. According to studies, school remains the safest place a child will likely ever be. Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is committed to making schools a safe place for our children to learn and grow.

Yes. Each school has a School Emergency Operations Plan – created specifically for that school – that is reviewed and updated at the beginning of every school year and updated throughout the school year when enhancements are identified. One-on-one meetings between school administrators and the district's Security and Emergency Management staff are also held to address specific site needs. 

No. SPPS Board Policy 903.00 forbids any person from carrying a weapon in a school location. Exceptions may be made for:

• An active, licensed law enforcement officer
• Security personnel on the job for the school district
• An individual with written permission from the Superintendent.

Strict action will be taken against anyone who violates this policy.

Safety options for all SPPS sites are continually reviewed and updated. Based on best practices and industry standards across the nation, as well as working closely with our own law enforcement partners, we have determined that hand-held metal detection is a better option and is used in schools, buildings and events as needed.

Yes. This is part of each school's Emergency Operations Plan. However, some programs or buildings may have a more restrictive system in place as needed.

Yes. This is required at all schools. MN Statute 609.305 Trespass says that it is a misdemeanor to be in the building without reporting their presence. Click here to read the MN Statute.

Safety options for all SPPS sites are continually reviewed and updated. Access to buildings is continually being upgraded through staffing, technology solutions and capital improvement efforts.

As noted earlier, schools attempt to balance the safety and security of our staff and students with the desire to provide a welcoming environment to families and the community. However, safety will always be the first consideration.

Yes.

Yes.

The SPPS Department of Security and Emergency Management provides over 35 School Support Liaisons (SSLs) to support the safety of our schools. Most of them are staffed at specific schools, and some are mobile patrol to provide additional assistance depending on the needs of the district. Additionally, the SPPS Transportation Department provides Traffic Safety Coordinators to assist in school bus related safety, student arrivals and dismissals. We partner with the Saint Paul Police Department for routine events such as homecoming events, dances and athletic events, and in times where we partner in response to an incident.

Yes. Video surveillance is used at a number of locations throughout Saint Paul Public Schools and also remotely monitored. SPPS is continually adding more cameras and upgrading camera systems.

Yes. In accordance with Minnesota State Law, all SPPS schools are required to conduct a minimum of five such drills throughout the school year. Each school is also required to conduct a minimum of five lockdown drills, five fire drills, and one severe weather drill. Each drill is scheduled by the site administrators/principals and reported, recorded, and evaluated by Security and Emergency Management staff. Additionally, the Saint Paul Fire Department observes each school perform an emergency evacuation once a year and provides feedback to the school.

The main message is to remain calm and quiet and follow the instructions of their classroom teachers. Procedures involve locking classroom and entrance doors, pulling down window shades and moving children to the least visible areas in the room. 

Yes. Crisis Response Teams are specially trained and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. School social workers and counselors will work directly with those in need or facilitate services through the appropriate community partners.