ST PAUL, Minn. — Leaders with St. Paul Public Schools heard from nearly 100 speakers Tuesday evening, including parents, students and school leaders, who all voiced safety concerns while offering district leaders solutions to those concerns.
From shootings to a deadly stabbing, recent violent events involving students from SPPS led dozens of community members, students and staff to pack a room at Washington Tech Magnet School Tuesday evening.
"Enough is enough; we need real change," said one St. Paul educator as he addressed school district leaders.
Shared sentiments from everyone who gathered, with real concerns.
"I myself have seen students with guns in person during school hours," said an eighth grader from Humboldt High School.
"Every time I close the door to my classroom, I ask myself, 'Should I lock it?'" said one teacher.
It's a reality many teachers find themselves facing, while desperately asking for district leaders to do more, knowing students and their communities are hurting.
"This year alone, my school has conducted over 20 suicide assessment risk evaluations; drug use and vaping in our middle schools has more than tripled; physical assaults are up 20 percent; and the wait list for counseling for students to see a counselor at health start is currently three months," said another St. Paul teacher.
Some have called for more school resource officers in school buildings, while for others, that idea is still controversial.
"Regular security with tasers, at the most, would be reasonable," said the Humboldt High School eighth grader.
"Increase mental health professionals such as counselors, social workers, nurses, psychologists, behavior intervention specialists," said a St. Paul educator.
Real solutions address a need for change, knowing lives are depending on it.
"I am immensely proud to work for this district and I desperately want to stay next year. We are asking you to work with us, please hear us," said another teacher.
The information gathered at Tuesday's meeting will be used to help inform potential solutions to improve school safety. Additional opportunities for community engagement on this topic will be announced in the coming weeks.
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