Edina City Council — Transcript
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Story
Edina Schools Unveils Comprehensive Safety Plan After Recent Threats
Standard Response Protocols and Reunification Procedures
Visitor Management and Building Access Security
Training and Preparedness Initiatives
Mental Health Crisis Response and Post-Incident Support
City-School District Partnership and Law Enforcement Collaboration
Communication Strategy During Incidents
Recent Threat Incidents and Police Response
Community Crime Trends and Juvenile Delinquency
Bullying Prevention and Student Support Systems
Extracurricular and Out-of-School Programming Safety
Gun Safety and Community Partnerships
Website Launch and Opt-In Communication Systems
Votes (15)
Presentation of Comprehensive Safety and Security Plan
Superintendent Stanley introduced the multi-layered security approach developed in partnership with the I Love You Guys Foundation, emphasizing that no single measure guarantees safety. The plan includes controlled building access, emergency response protocols, staff training, visitor management via Raptor system, and continuous collaboration with city emergency services. Director Mana Staley detailed the five standard response protocols (Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter) and reunification procedures, noting that approximately 60 district leaders received full training on August 4th. The district conducted tabletop exercises with police and fire to identify vulnerabilities before actual incidents occur.
Standard Response Protocol Training and Implementation
Director Mana Staley detailed the five standardized response protocols adopted from the I Love You Guys Foundation: Hold (medical situations, clearing hallways), Secure (external threats, locking outside doors), Lockdown (intruder/violence threats, classroom doors locked, lights off), Evacuate (fire or gas leak), and Shelter (severe weather/tornado). She emphasized the importance of consistent language across all staff, substitutes, volunteers, and students so everyone understands what each protocol means. The district conducted full training for 60 district leaders on August 4th and has since provided training to all staff through mandatory district trainings and building-level sessions. Building principals are responsible for enacting appropriate protocols based on available information.
Raptor Visitor Management System Implementation
Director Mana Staley explained the Raptor system rolled out at the beginning of the school year across all district buildings. The system scans visitor IDs against the national sex offender registry and custom alerts (custodial agreements, no-contact orders) maintained in Infinite Campus. Visitors receive badges displaying their photo, name, date, time, and building location. Multiple forms of ID are accepted. Alerts are automatically sent via email and text to appropriate building personnel if flags are detected. The system provides quick reference during incidents to account for all individuals in the building.
Extracurricular and Out-of-School Programming Safety Protocols
Director Mana Staley presented a grid developed by Athletic Director Choy Stein showing how coaches, advisers, and event workers follow the same standard response protocols during extracurricular activities as during school hours. The grid specifies actions for each protocol (Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter), including trainer notification, AED locations, and emergency action plan references. Community Education staff receive training on standard response protocols for before/after school programming. The Early Learning Center uses Raptor visitor verification for all adults. Elementary enrichment and Kids Club programs have designated staff at entrances to greet families and release students appropriately.
Mental Health Crisis Response and Psychological Support Framework
Director of Student Support Services Jody Remsey outlined the PREPARED training program (developed by National Association of School Psychologists) for administrators and mental health professionals. The training focuses on recognizing psychological effects of crises, distinguishing common crisis reactions from mental illness, identifying trauma warning signs, and implementing multi-tiered mental health interventions. The district employs school psychologists, social workers, and counselors at all schools, with collocated mental health therapists from Frasier Mental Health providing intensive support. Resources are provided to families after critical incidents to help children process events. The district emphasizes that preventing violent behavior through early intervention is more effective than responding after incidents occur.
City-School District Partnership and Emergency Response Coordination
Mayor Jim Hubin, City Manager Scott Neil, Police Chief Todd Milbourne, and Fire Chief Andrew Slama discussed the ongoing partnership between the city and school district. Mayor Hubin outlined the Minnesota Heels 2.0 initiative addressing juvenile crime, carjackings, and auto theft across the metro area, which evolved from a January 2021 community safety meeting with over 300 residents. He noted that federal prosecutors have taken approximately 200 serious offenders off the street, contributing to reduced carjacking rates. City Manager Neil emphasized that quality public schools are the 'secret sauce' that keeps the town functioning and that city departments (police, fire, parks) coordinate closely with the school district. Police Chief Milbourne and Fire Chief Slama described their collaborative approach, including tabletop exercises, regular training, and the strategic placement of School Resource Officers who build relationships with students while providing security expertise.
Recent Threat Incidents and Police Investigation Response
Police Chief Milbourne detailed the rapid investigation and resolution of two recent school-related threats. The first involved a 17-year-old who made threats at Edina High School and posted on Instagram; the individual was apprehended within 12 hours. The second involved two juveniles (ages 10-11) from Bloomington who made threats against Normandale French Immersion program; they were identified by noon the same day. Chief Milbourne explained the investigative process, including overnight work by detectives, search warrants, and cell phone data analysis. He emphasized the need for strategic information release to avoid compromising investigations while keeping the public informed. He noted that data privacy laws prevent disclosure of details about minors.
Communication Strategy During Critical Incidents
Director of Marketing and Communications Deanie Edwards explained the district's approach to incident communication, emphasizing speed, accuracy, and transparency while protecting ongoing investigations. The district works closely with the Police Department to coordinate messaging, often communicating simultaneously or with police leading. Initial communications may contain limited information while investigations are ongoing. As more facts become available, additional communications are sent. The district sends initial district-wide notifications, then focuses on impacted sites. Federal law prevents automatic text messaging; families must opt-in via SMS to receive alerts. The district is launching a Safety and Security website with presentation materials, FAQs, and incident recordings.
Community Crime Trends and Juvenile Delinquency Response
Police Chief Milbourne identified concerning crime trends affecting the metro area, including violent crime among youth, weapons involvement in disputes, auto theft, and carjackings. He characterized this as the third major crime trend in his 30-year career, comparing it to the mid-1990s and 2005-2006 periods. He noted that Minneapolis police staffing shortages (down 250 officers) have contributed to crime spreading to surrounding suburbs. The Minnesota Heels 2.0 initiative, led by Mayor Hubin and federal prosecutors, addresses these issues through coordinated enforcement and youth engagement strategies. Chief Milbourne expressed optimism about reducing crime trends through community collaboration, resource restoration, and keeping youth engaged.
Bullying Prevention and Multi-Tiered Student Support
The district uses Policy 514 (bullying policy) with clear investigation procedures and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) to address bullying. Bullying is defined as intentional, repeated targeting of another student with a power differential and intent to intimidate. Principals investigate all reports and communicate with both victims and perpetrators' families. Interventions range from Tier 1 (classroom-level support with caring adults) to Tier 2 (intensive counseling and family support) to Tier 3 (one-on-one specialized instruction). The district emphasizes relationship-building, social-emotional learning, and early intervention to prevent violent behavior. Families are encouraged to report concerns to classroom teachers or principals to enable early intervention.
School Resource Officer Role and Community Relationship Building
Police Chief Milbourne emphasized that School Resource Officers (SROs) serve multiple functions beyond security: they are trained specialists in school safety, they build relationships with students and staff, and they serve as potential recruitment pathways for future law enforcement. The district maintains SROs in all buildings. Chief Milbourne noted that current SROs have accepted the new legal framework governing their role and are committed to the position. He highlighted the collaborative work between SROs, school staff, and community partners (including mosque elders) to prevent violence at school events like homecoming football games.
Tabletop Exercises and Vulnerability Assessment
Director Mana Staley described tabletop exercises as low-stakes scenario planning where district leadership practices response procedures, identifies vulnerabilities, and tests communication protocols before actual incidents occur. The district has conducted tabletop exercises with emergency response personnel (police and fire) and with district leadership teams. These exercises allow the team to reflect on gaps in systems, test the protocols and procedures they know, and identify areas for improvement. Building principals have been particularly engaged in this work, conducting their own debriefs after drills and incidents.
Safety Drills and Enhanced Training Scenarios
The district conducts 11 annual safety drills: five lockdown drills, five evacuation drills, and one shelter (severe weather) drill. Additionally, the district conducts one enhanced drill that may occur during high-activity times (e.g., passing time at the high school or when students are on playgrounds) to practice response in realistic, complex scenarios. All drills are followed by debriefs with building staff. The most recent incidents have prompted debriefs with every building principal to reflect on lessons learned and identify needed changes.
Gun Safety Community Partnership (B Smart Program)
The district partnered with B Smart, a program focused on secure gun safety and storage in vehicles and homes. The program models responsible gun safety practices and facilitates community conversations about gun safety. A B Smart table was available at the community meeting for attendees to learn more.
Website Launch and Opt-In Communication Systems
The district is launching a Safety and Security website containing presentation slides, I Love You Guys Foundation resources, standard response protocol information, FAQs, and recordings of this community meeting. Families must opt-in to receive text message alerts via SMS number 657587 due to federal law restrictions on automatic texting. The district emphasizes the importance of keeping emergency contact information current in the parent portal (Infinite Campus), as this information is used for all emergency communications.
Notable Quotes (31)
I am the superintendent of the Edina Public Schools. I'm really glad to have you here this evening to learn a little bit about our Safety and Security plan to have an opportunity to hear from our partnership with our city officials and then really to have an opportunity to connect with one another.
Edina Public Schools is committed to the Safety and Security of all individuals on our campuses—our students, our staff, volunteers, community members. It is something that we take very seriously. We know that we cannot prevent all serious events from happening, but what we can do is put in place best practices to increase our security posture.
We adopt a layered security approach. There is not just one thing that we're going to do to make our schools safe. If there was, I can guarantee that every school district across the country would be doing that. We know that we have to put multiple things in place.
The single most important thing that we're doing right now is the collaboration that we have with the city of Edina with our police and fire. We are in constant conversation with them and they are supporting our work and our efforts to make sure that our community as well as our schools are safe.
This work is ongoing. This conversation doesn't stop tonight. It isn't that we practice a drill one day and that we're done. It's something that we are constantly reflecting on, constantly learning and growing, and making sure that we're getting better.
I think it's really important for all families to understand when their child comes home and they say that we were in a hold, what did that mean? What happened in the school building during that time? So I'm going to go through these just to give you an idea.
The most important thing about this, the thing that is non-negotiable for us, is accountability. That's why we go through these steps. That's why we set up this process before families get there so that we are accountable for all of our students and our staff.
Raptor provides us a layer of security of who is coming into our buildings, so who has access to our buildings, and it provides us a quick reference of who's in our building during an incident or crisis. Say for example we've got two wonderful volunteers in our media center checking out books and then we have an evacuation drill. We can look in Raptor, know those individuals are in the building, and we can make sure that we account for them.
When they see adults in the building they should see one of two things: either a Raptor visitor badge or a staff-issued employee badge.
What's great to know is that our coaches, our advisers, our out-of-school-time event workers, they all follow the same standard response protocol that we follow during the school day.
PREPARED training is a series of two workshops that was developed by the National Association of School Psychologists. They've been providing evidence-based resources and consultation to school crisis prevention for the past 10 years. Natasha's really overseeing that physical safety with I Love You Guys training. PREPARED training is really focusing on that psychological response.
We match the degree of psychological trauma risk to the appropriate school intervention so that we can make sure that our students are getting the help they need.
This city functions as well as it does because of the relationship between the school district and the city. You add in the business community and it's that three-legged stool that makes Edina function so well.
Schools and school operations and quality public schools are just as important to us. They really are the secret sauce that keeps the town that it is. We translate that kind of priority back through our operating departments.
When we think about school safety and unfortunately active shooters—things that we're seeing across the nation—Andrew and I had a quick conversation early on and asked ourselves: are we ready? Are we ready for a big event? Is the school safe? Are we ready to respond to a major event that should unfortunately happen here?
When you think about is the response good here in Edina? Are we going to be able to handle anything? The answer is absolutely, unequivocally yes. We are absolutely prepared to handle anything that comes our way here from a law enforcement standpoint.
We the three of us started at the same time—a little bit over two years ago. I think it's allowed the three of us to walk through this partnership with open eyes and open arms and that gave us the ability to connect, look at where our capabilities and needs were, and come together to work together on that.
When we have threats that come in or are reported to us—real or fake or however that's perceived—our officers go into action. We know we're on a timer. I'm on a timer. I've dealt with this a number of times in my career, particularly with school districts. Students and parents are obviously rightfully so very concerned. We're at 24/7 operations. We'll go on a timer and we will work these things overnight.
You're dealing with an active criminal investigation. You're compelled or you're locked in through data practices on what you can release. You don't want to compromise the integrity of the investigation. So you want to be strategic about the right information that gets out to people.
Our approach to communication in an event is to get out as much information as we can, as quickly as we can, and of course that's completely accurate. Our approach is to be transparent and our approach is to be quick. We work very closely with the police department. We may find out from the police department about an event when they're brought in. We're touching base with them to understand as much as we can at the beginning of an event.
There are instances where we share as much as we possibly can that's legal and that's not going to impede an investigation. We want every member of our community to be safe and we want every wrongdoer to be apprehended. So there are times when there are details that I would imagine seem obvious to share but we rely on the experts in the police department to tell us things that we might share that might hinder their investigation.
The crime trends and patterns that I've been seeing over the last 5 years are concerning and they are heavily focused on our youth. We're seeing this huge uptick with violent crime in our youth. We're seeing this troubling trend. We're seeing unfortunately some violent crime. We're seeing weapons. We're seeing youth that are resorting to bringing weapons to beefs or fights or arguments and using them to threaten.
In my experience, what we're seeing is a lot of mental health issues, a lot of disconnected resources, a lot of things that were in place prior to COVID that have, for a variety of different reasons, have fallen apart. I think that's leading to much of what we're seeing as well. I've been doing this job for 30 years and this is the third major trend I've seen in my career. The mid-90s were big. We had a lot of things we talked about with violence, homicide rates. 2005, 2006 we saw a huge uptick. Right now we're in the middle of that third trend. I'm very optimistic. Better days ahead. We just have to come together, think about how we can get kids busy, get those resources back in line, and that'll help us out.
Bullying is defined as a situation where a student has intentionally targeted another student multiple times. There is a power differential and there is intent to intimidate. Principals when they receive those reports are investigating them. They're getting back to both the perceived perpetrator or perpetrator as well as the victim and the families at the same time.
We really work closely with our staff to build those strong relationships with our students. We're working really closely to bring in curriculum that helps to build that social-emotional learning and resilience around empathy, around sympathy, around responsibility—when you see something, say something—and that character strong curriculum that we're starting to onboard in our schools.
We knew right away that we wanted to keep our SROs in place. Our current SROs, when we talk to them and we gauge them about the new law and the way things have changed, are they okay being here? They unequivocally said yes. We're fine with it. We know how to handle it. We're going to make some adjustments on how we handle things and that's totally fine.
We came together, we talked about how to prepare for the next event to make sure that we're planning well, that we have a good safety plan in place. We brought in elders from the small community because there are some really good relationships with our mosque in Bloomington, for example, and just brought in some different creative opportunities here to make sure that our kids are busy and that we're not going to lead to any kind of violence.
Tabletop exercises are those low-stakes exercises that we do. We put a scenario on the table—not literally—but we put something out there and then we practice as a team how we would respond in an incident that is made up. We use the protocols and procedures that we know. We ask ourselves questions. We reflect on. We think about our vulnerabilities and risks and we do all of that before an actual incident occurs.
We do 11 safety drills: five lockdown-type drills, five evacuate drills, and one shelter—a severe weather drill. We also do one enhanced drill. By enhanced drill, that doesn't mean that we're doing anything crazy and we're not trying to create trauma, but we might do a drill during passing time at the high school. If you've ever been in the high school during passing time, there's a lot happening. We might do a drill when there's students out on the playground, trying to figure out those different scenarios that we can practice.
B Smart is really a program around secure gun safety and storage in vehicles or in homes, modeling gun safety, being able to be in conversation about gun safety. We are grateful to have just another partnership within our Edina Public Schools community.
It is a federal law that we cannot automatically text families. So if you're interested in being receiving text, we need you to opt into that. It is so important that the most up-to-date information is in our parent portal on Infinite Campus because we use that information to communicate with families. Please just take the time to go on and make certain that the primary contact, secondary contact, your emergency contacts are listed correctly because that is the information that we use in the event of any emergencies.
Ordinances & Resolutions (8)
Research-based crisis response framework with five standardized protocols: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Developed by Ellen and John Michael Keys following 2006 Platte Canyon High School tragedy.
Post-crisis reunification procedures for on-site and off-site scenarios, emphasizing accountability and systematic student-family reunification with clear check-in and accountability processes.
Digital system scanning visitor IDs against national sex offender registry and custom alerts (custodial agreements, no-contact orders). Generates visitor badges with photo, name, date, time, and location.
District bullying policy containing clear investigation procedures and multi-tiered intervention responses for addressing bullying incidents.
Two-workshop series developed by National Association of School Psychologists for administrators and mental health professionals on psychological crisis response, trauma recognition, and multi-tiered mental health interventions.
Regional initiative addressing juvenile crime, carjackings, and auto theft across metro area. Evolved from original 1990s Minneapolis homicide reduction effort; currently led by Mayor Hubin and federal/county prosecutors.
District framework for addressing behavioral and academic concerns through tiered interventions ranging from classroom-level support to intensive one-on-one services.
New website launching to provide public access to presentation slides, I Love You Guys Foundation resources, standard response protocol information, FAQs, and incident recordings.