Safety Policies and Support

If an emergency happens at school, SPPS follows the Standard Response Protocol, a national school security model designed to keep our students and staff safe. 

• All schools have established emergency plans that clearly define procedures and staff responsibilities- see Policy 806 for more

• Exterior doors remain locked at all times; all visitors must be admitted by school staff

• Each school has a dedicated mental health support team, including a School Counselor, School Psychologist, and School Social Worker—along with student support staff and cultural liaisons to support student wellness

• If a federal agent attempts to enter a school or SSPPS building, they will not be granted access without a verified judicial warrant
• Students will not be let off of their bus at a stop with ICE activity- ICE will also not be allowed to enter any bus

The district’s Standard Response Protocols remain in place and apply to any potential safety concern on or near school property. These protocols are based on the situation, not on who is involved. For example, if there is a perceived threat outside during recess, a Secure may be used to bring students indoors. During dismissal, a Hold may also be used to pause movement until it is safe to proceed. Our actions would not change in this situation, and staff will continue to follow established safety procedures.

South St. Paul Public Schools partners with Safe Way Transportation Company to provide student transportation to and from school. Together, we have established clear protocols to ensure student safety during travel between home and school. School buses and bus stops are considered an extension of the classroom. The same legal protections and district policies that apply in school buildings also apply in these spaces. These include limitations on sharing student information, as well as protocols for if or how immigration enforcement agents may interact with students.

• Bus drivers will never release a student to an ICE agent.

• If a raid or enforcement activity is occurring at a student’s drop-off location, the driver will not release the student. The student will be returned to school, and families will be contacted immediately.

• Drivers will inform ICE agents that the school bus is an extension of the classroom and that all requests must be directed through the School District.

• District administration is available at all times to support transportation staff as needed.

As part of our ongoing safety planning, we remain in close contact with the South St. Paul Police Department. We partner with the SSPPD throughout the year for events/activities, Police Liaisons in our schools, and for support during student drop-off and pick-up at our schools. The South St. Paul Police Department is not affiliated with, nor does it act on behalf of, immigration enforcement agencies. Their role continues to focus on supporting the safety of our schools and community.

In regards to ICE activities, SSPPS  will follow the protocols below:

• If a report of federal law enforcement activity or other safety concern is verified near a school, the school will coordinate with South Saint Paul Police Department and may put the school into a Secure protocol until the area is clear- See Standard Safety Protocols for more on a Secure
• If a federal agent attempts to enter a school or SSPPS building, they will not be granted access without a verified judicial warrant
• Students will not be let off of their bus at a stop with ICE activity- ICE will also not be allowed to enter any bus

Federal laws

• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act- Protects the privacy of student education records and restricts the sharing of personally identifiable information without parental consent or a lawfully-issued subpoena or court order.

State Laws

• The State of Minnesota Human Rights Act- Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, education, credit, and business based on protected class, such as race, religion, disability, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
• The MN Data Practices Act- Provides guidance on all data collected, created, received, maintained and disseminated by any government entity.

District Policies

• 102 - Equal Educational Opportunity

• 806- Crisis Management Policy

• 903- Visitors to School District Properties and Facilities

At this time, there are no confirmed reports of immigration officials at any South St. Paul Public Schools buildings or bus stops.

We have established safety protocols for school buildings and student transportation, and staff are trained on response procedures. Access to school buildings is controlled, and school leaders and front office staff are trained on how to respond to outside requests to access school property.

The district’s Standard Response Protocols remain in place and apply to any potential safety concern on or near school property. These protocols are based on the situation, not on who is involved. For example, if there is a perceived threat outside during recess, a Secure may be used to bring students indoors. During dismissal, a Hold may also be used to pause movement until it is safe to proceed. Our actions would not change in this situation, and staff will continue to follow established safety procedures.

The district has worked closely with our transportation partner, Safe Way Bus Company, to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place at bus stops. All bus drivers have been trained on these protocols. More details are provided above under the "Traveling to and from School Safely" tab.

Families always have the right to make decisions they feel are best for their children. If a family chooses to keep their child home due to safety concerns, we encourage them to contact the school so we can partner to support continued learning and connection

ICE agents generally do not come to schools. If ICE does come to a school or district building, they must have a warrant or order signed by an appropriate judicial authority. School District Legal Counsel must be contacted to review and provide direction.