Dear Saint Paul Public Schools Staff,

I am writing today with a heavy heart, as our entire community grieves with the Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis after a tragic shooting there this morning.

As your superintendent, I know how these tragedies affect everyone who works in schools, especially when they happen so close to home. As we prepare to welcome students back next week, I want to take this time to remind you of the safety protocols that Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) has in place to keep our schools as safe as possible.

• SPPS uses Standard Response Protocols (Secure, Lockdown, Hold in Place) whenever there is a situation that requires implementing safety measures. School staff and students are trained on what these protocols mean and what to do when one is in effect. These protocols also include training and planning for reunification after a serious safety incident. Please refer to the back of your staff badge for a quick reference on these protocols. Older badges may not have these SRP’s listed; the district can print this info to go along with your badge.
• Every school has an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), which outlines the procedures and responsibilities in case of emergencies. If you have not already, you will receive training on your school’s plan, which is reviewed and updated on at least an annual basis.
• Exterior school doors remain locked at all times and all visitors must be buzzed in and sign in.
• There are phones in every classroom and radios for direct communication with the district’s Emergency Communications Center (ECC). 
• Every school has a school safety team and mental health team that meet to review processes, discuss areas for improvement and share information.
• Every secondary and PreK-8 school has at least one School Support Liaison (SSL), and elementary schools are served by mobile SSLs. Law enforcement and other emergency responders are called when needed and are essential partners in school safety.
• The “Send a Tip” tool allows anyone to submit anonymous tips about unsafe behaviors in school. Every tip is taken seriously and investigated right away.

SPPS continues to have a strong partnership with the Saint Paul Police Department. I spoke with Chief Henry soon after we learned of today’s shooting in Minneapolis, and they will be supporting our schools with additional neighborhood presence next week.

It is important to take care of yourself and your own health while processing this traumatic event. Here is a list of staff resources from the Office of School Support. This link includes tips for speaking with students, as well.

School security is not only one of our district’s top priorities, but one of my personal priorities as well. As we look forward to starting school next week, I encourage you to review our protocols at spps.org/safety and speak with your administrators if you have any questions or concerns.

In Partnership,

Dr. Stacie Stanley, Superintendent
Saint Paul Public Schools