Crisis Go Program Sees Renewed Implementation Amid Safety Initiatives at St. Cloud School Board Meeting
- Meeting Overview:
The recent St. Cloud School Board meeting focused heavily on enhancing safety protocols across the district, notably through the reimplementation of the Crisis Go program, which aims to bolster the security measures within school environments.
This application, previously underutilized, promises to streamline communication and response during emergencies. Training sessions for staff, including administrative and non-licensed personnel, were slated to continue at Clear View. Additionally, the I Love You Guys Foundation’s standard reunification method was discussed. Plans for summer training to further develop this approach for district office staff were also introduced.
In parallel with these safety measures, the board addressed active threat training in collaboration with the St. Cloud Police Department. The training, which has been well-received, equips school staff with a comprehensive understanding of police response protocols. This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate new security measures into ongoing renovations at Apollo High School.
Transportation logistics were another focal point, with the transportation department serving 18 public schools, nine non-public schools, and one charter school using a fleet of 144 vehicles. State Patrol inspections were described as thorough, covering bus mechanics such as oil, brakes, and lights. However, privacy regulations prevent public access to bus camera footage, a point of concern for some parents.
Operations updates included reports from the building and grounds staff. The district, encompassing over 2 million square feet across 18 buildings, relies on a custodial team that dedicates 528 hours daily to maintenance. A shift from reactive to preventative maintenance approaches was emphasized, along with the introduction of a new vendor for brick restoration and power washing.
On the nutrition front, the district served over 1.8 million meals last school year. The nutrition services department relies heavily on federal reimbursement, with rates of $2.94 for breakfast and $4.83 for lunch covering all operational costs. A pilot program with the Minnesota Department of Education for a global flavors handbook was noted, aimed at broadening students’ culinary experiences. Changes in dietary guidelines, including the allowance of skim to whole milk for lunch, were discussed, with potential future updates anticipated.
A development in nutritional services was the district’s plan to take over summer feeding programs, previously managed by an external organization. This transition is expected to benefit the budget and enhance meal quality, particularly for students with special needs and allergies.
Middle school course updates were presented by Dr. Jason Harris, highlighting new opportunities for student engagement in the 2026-2027 academic year. The introduction of advisory courses focused on social-emotional learning and school engagement, alongside advanced and elective courses, aims to foster student development.
Lastly, the board reviewed proposed revisions to the family and medical leave policy to comply with new state laws and discussed a tentative custodian contract. The meeting concluded with recognition of DECA students qualifying for state competitions and other academic and artistic achievements.
Laurie Putnam
School Board Officials:
Scott Andreasen, Natalie Copeland, Zachary Dorholt, Diana Fenton, Shannon Haws, Bruce Hentges, Heather Weems
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
02/04/2026
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Recording Published:
02/04/2026
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Duration:
109 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Stearns County
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Towns:
Clear Lake, Clear Lake Township, Clearwater, Clearwater Township, Collegeville Township, Haven Township, Le Sauk Township, Lynden Township, Maine Prairie Township, Palmer Township, Rockville, Sartell, St. Augusta, St. Cloud, St. Joseph, St. Joseph Township, St. Wendel Township, Waite Park
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