The meeting prominently addressed the district’s safety protocols, emphasizing the implementation of the ALICE program, which is designed to respond to active shooter situations. The district is moving away from anxiety-inducing live reenactments and prioritizing mental well-being. The use of NAV 360 software for safety planning is also underway, aimed at establishing baseline safety measures across all school buildings. This includes digital emergency procedure flip charts and mental health protocols. The district has also equipped staff with over a hundred radios to ensure effective communication during emergencies. The SE stag program, established after the Virginia Tech shooting, focuses on a behavioral approach to threat assessment.

The board considered the public’s perception of safety in schools. A key discussion point was the need to inform the community about the safety measures in place, as schools statistically remain among the safest environments for children. A comparison was made to the safety of school transportation, noting that buses drove over 900,000 miles last year without a single child being hurt in an accident. The board underscored the importance of communicating these statistics to combat the perception of danger fueled by media narratives and social media.

Another topic was the handling of bullying and student safety. The meeting acknowledged that perceptions of safety vary among students, particularly those who have experienced bullying. A recent incident brought attention to mental health issues, highlighting the need for accurate communication about the frequency and nature of bullying incidents. The board discussed the annual reports to the Department of Education, which include data on physical violence and suspensions, as useful indicators of the school’s safety climate.

Communication challenges were a focus, particularly in managing threats and misinformation. The board emphasized the importance of documented procedures to reassure parents and the community. The difficulties of managing misinformation, especially on social media, were also addressed. The board suggested coordinated communication involving all stakeholders, including law enforcement, would be more effective.

The meeting also highlighted the district’s communication efforts despite the absence of a dedicated Communications person. Various team members were credited for managing communication tasks, with community feedback indicating a preference for printed newsletters. The upcoming newsletter will provide updates about each school and program highlights to build trust within the community.

The district’s academic performance metrics were discussed, noting that while scores are not where desired, they are above the state average in reading and math and outperform neighboring districts. The district’s strategic directions, informed by community feedback, are outlined on their website, allowing for continuous updates based on evolving needs.

Lastly, the board addressed external factors affecting educational funding, such as protests in the Twin Cities over the end of COVID-related funding for reading, writing, and arts programs. The board expressed concerns about accessibility to beneficial programs and the necessity for ongoing federal funding. Members advocated for state appropriations to support special education funding and stressed the importance of communication with state representatives to facilitate these efforts.