Latest news with #PriorLake-SavageAreaSchoolBoard
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Prior Lake-Savage School Board rescinds DEI resolution in 5-2 vote
The Brief The Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board voted 5-2 Monday night to rescind its 2020 equity and inclusion resolution. A large group of supporters of the resolution rallied ahead of the meeting. Equity resolution has been in place since 2020 and was crafted with community input. PRIOR LAKE, Minn. (FOX 9) - On Monday, families in Prior Lake showed up in full force to protest outside of a Prior Lake-Savage School Board meeting. Protesters made it clear that they did not want the board to rescind the district's equity and inclusion resolution. Supporters of the resolution argued it affirmed the district's commitment to combating racism and fostering inclusive environments. But critics said it failed to reduce a growing achievement gap, and they wanted to prioritize academic success and unity. What we know By the end of the meeting, in a 5-2 vote, board members sided with those against the resolution. What they're saying "I'm pleased with their decision," Justin Mikkelson said afterwards. "We've wanted to see this changed. Not that we're against anyone, or anyone's beliefs. [We're] just not happy with the direction of the district." "I am extremely disgusted by this," Sue LeGrand countered. "This was strictly a bulldozing process… it was clear that this was done in the dark." The backstory In 2020, members of the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools board passed an equity resolution after months of work and partnering with community members. It affirms the commitment of the board to supporting an anti-racist and inclusive environment for everyone but doesn't mandate any programs or initiatives. The full language of the resolution can be found here. In recent months, it has come under the microscope, and at their Monday meeting, the board is expected to take action on it, and possibly rescind it. Former board member Michael Nelson worked on the original resolution and says this is all happening with no discussion and no input. "At a time in our country when marginalized groups are increasingly being silenced (and) targeted... to publicly decide on bringing forth this resolution and sunset just one more painful thing to have to endure," said Nelson. The other side School Board Chair Daniel White declined an interview with FOX 9 ahead of the board taking action on the issue, but he did say throughout the winter and spring of 2024, community members came together to develop a new strategic plan for the district. "As we continue the work to ensure every student receives what they uniquely need for their best chance at success, the Board will be discussing the Equity and Inclusion Resolution to determine if it is still necessary given the direction and commitments outlined in our strategic plan," White told Fox 9.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Savage mayor to address District 719 tonight
Savage Mayor Janet Williams is set to address the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board at tonight's regular meeting. Williams will deliver a 'State of the City' message at the meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. today in the board room at the District Services Center, 4540 Tower St., Prior Lake. The mayors of both Prior Lake and Savage were set to meet with board members before a regular meeting on March 14. Scheduling conflicts led that meeting to be moved to 5 p.m. today, but last week board members were notified that the session had been canceled. For more on tonight's board meeting, be sure to read this Saturday's Savage Pacer. – Meryn Fluker
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Yahoo
Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board outlines future school security plans
Conversations about school safety and security have been taking place across the nation and the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board had one of its own Monday night. District staff and administration went over the district's current policies and procedures as well as safety measures to implement in the future. 'This certainly is something we think about constantly and is a huge priority to us,' Superintendent Teri Staloch said. The district divides school safety measures into four categories: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. 'Most organizations follow these kinds of four phases,' Staloch said. Currently, district schools currently have secured front entrances with card readers, all but one door is locked during school hours, visitors must check in and out, students and staff go through drills, hundreds of cameras are placed throughout the district and students go through multiple types of drills, among other measures. Another prevention aspect is maintaining relationships among students and staff at each grade level. Programs include 2nd Step, Where Everyone Belongs, PL Kindness Group, LIVE and more. According to a 2018 student survey, 95 percent of elementary kids and 84 percent of secondary kids feel connected to at least one adult in school. In a 2017-2018 stakeholder survey, 72.5 percent of parents said they 'agree' or 'strongly agree' with a statement saying their child's building is safe and secure. In the 2016-2017 school year, that number was 89.6 percent of parents. The drop-off might be due to the national conversation surrounding school shootings and violence, Staloch said. In the 2017-2018 school year, 97.7 percent of elementary students and 84.6 percent of secondary students said they 'agree' or 'strongly agree' with a statement saying they feel safe and secure at their school. The year before that, 91.3 percent of elementary students and 92.3 percent of secondary students said the same. 'We want to ensure our staff and kids and families and communities feel that our schools are safe,' Staloch said. Currently, school visitors are funneled to the main office of school buildings for office sign-in and visitor passes. When a lockdown is in place, students and staff are instructed to lock the doors, turn off the lights, close the blinds, stay away from windows and doors and stay quiet. The district is planning to implement a visitor management system in the future that would automatically track and screen visitors, build databases and print visitor badges. Renovations to the Prior Lake High School include enhanced security at the student and staff entrances, which will go into place in fall 2020. Instead of a complete lockdown, the district is looking at a 'lockdown with options.' 'Multiple governmental agencies agree that locking down as the only option is now obsolete,' according to the safety presentation given to the board. A lockdown with options includes instructing students to run when it's safest to run, hide when it's safest to hide and fight if there is no other option. Board member Mary Frantz suggested an audit of the current processes to see where areas could be improved in the schools. 'There are some ways to bypass … and our current exit and entry strategy isn't consistent all the time even at the same place,' Frantz said. Other board members said an audit wasn't necessary. Several board members also suggested opportunities for community input and education regarding school safety and security. School board member Ben Hanson said he hopes the procedures implemented will work years into the future. 'I don't think this is a problem that is going away soon, unfortunately,' Hanson said.
