New Security Measures at Some SPPS High Schools

Dear SPPS Staff,

In partnership with the Saint Paul Police Department, SPPS is announcing immediate, short-term security measures for some of our largest high schools that have recently experienced traumatic events at or near their campuses. The following measures are being implemented starting today:

• A third full-time School Support Liaison is being added to the existing security team at Harding
• At Superintendent Gothard’s request, SPPD has placed two officers at each of the following schools on a short-term basis: Central, Como Park, Harding, Humboldt and Washington
  • These officers will work closely with each school’s administration and security teams and remain on-site outside the school as an immediate resource
  • Each officer was carefully selected for their previous work with youth and knowledge of the issues impacting our community.
  • They may be familiar faces to some of our staff and students

While these five schools are getting these resources now, this is a fluid situation and we have the ability to make adjustments as needed. We are working closely with SPPD to determine what the longer-term plans could look like.

If you have any questions or concerns about safety at your school, please work with your administrator and school safety team and report them to the SPPS Emergency Communications Center. Answers to frequently asked questions are available on the SEM website. You can also submit an anonymous tip anytime using the Send a Tip feature and it will be acted on right away.

Thank you,

Laura Olson, Director
Office of Security and Emergency Management