SPPS strives to create welcoming schools where each and every student is seen, known and valued. There are rights students are guaranteed when they are at school as well as responsibilities that accompany those rights. Both are summarized in the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. In addition, the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook outlines the work SPPS is doing to build a positive school culture and hold students accountable for behavior that is not appropriate. 

Resources and Assistance to Resolve Issues

Equal Opportunity/ Non-Discrimination Policy 

SPPS does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, age, color, religion, gender identity and expression, ancestry, status with regard to public assistance, sexual or affectional orientation, familial status, disability or membership or activity in a local commission. Inquiries regarding our non-discrimination policies should be directed to 360 Colborne Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102 or call 651-744-6950. The 415 form may be used to report possible instances of discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics: Form 415 / Form 415 (spps.org).

To report discrimination, harassment or other violations:

• Employees – contact Human Resources at 651-767-8202 or the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) at 651-744-6950. The 415 form may be used to report possible instances of discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics: Form 415 / Form 415 (spps.org)

• Students – first contact the principal of the school/program, and call the EEO at 651-744-6950 to report discrimination, including Title IX (sexual discrimination, sexual harassment) violations or violations of student human rights. The 415 form may be used to report possible instances of discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics: Form 415 / Form 415 (spps.org). If the alleged harasser is a student, first report the incident to the school principal. Another option is to report the conduct to the Assistant Superintendent for the school at 651-767-8133.

Discipline Complaint Procedure

Minnesota Statute Section 121A.61 requires the School District to enact a districtwide school discipline policy that contains a discipline complaint procedure that students, parents and other guardians, and school staff may use to file a complaint and seek corrective action regarding the when the requirements of Minnesota Statutes Sections 121A.40 to 121A.61, including the implementation of the local behavior and discipline policies are not being implemented appropriately or are being discriminatively applied.

Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) urges that parties first attempt to resolve complaints with the principal or assistant principal before filing a formal complaint. If these attempts have been unsuccessful, a formal complaint may be filed using the Discipline Complaint Procedure Form.

To file a discipline complaint, refer to the following resources:

• 506.00.01 Discipline Complaint Procedure

• Discipline Complaint Form

The rules and regulations regarding student behavior and discipline contained in this handbook are established to fulfill the Board of Education’s policies as stated in 506.01 and 506.02.

This Handbook applies to incidents and situations that occur on any property owned or controlled by Saint Paul Public Schools or occurring in connection with any activity sponsored by or associated with the Saint Paul Public Schools (“SPPS”). This Handbook may also apply to incidents involving SPPS students if an unapproved connection or association to Saint Paul Public Schools or its staff is explicitly or implicitly stated or inferred (for example, hazing).

This is a guide to student conduct. Adult staff members are held to high standards of behavior and are subject to all applicable laws, Board of Education policies, and human resources’ rules and practices.