Some clarification is in order: What weapons or "tools" police officers do or do not carry is determined by the Police Department, with whom the school district contracts to provide School Resource Officers (SROs) in our secondary schools. The SROs in St. Paul already carry guns, and just added tasers. Each also carries a nightstick and chemical irritant.
The Board has no discretion over the officers' "tools," uniforms, vehicles, etc., though we do approve the overall contract and could chose to not renew it -- which is another conversation entirely. The Police Dept informed the School Board, superintendent, principals, and other administrators about the addition of tasers earlier this week, and principals informed staff that day. I would guess that most principals did not feel it was necessary to formally notify students and families about this change. I can understand how people feel about this, and I did also until I recalled that they already carry guns, etc., which again could lead to other discussions. In the meantime, I certainly apologize to any students/families who are upset that they were not informed or consulted in advance, and would be happy to discuss this further if anyone would like to contact me. As always, I can be reached at 651-690-9156 or by email. Thanks. -- Anne Carroll, St. Paul School Board ------------------------------------------------------------ Anne R. Carroll Carroll, Franck & Associates Public Involvement, Strategic Planning, Communications 1357 Highland Parkway St. Paul, MN 55116 USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 651-690-9162 School Board: 651-690-9156 "The arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice." -- Martin Luther King, Jr. "...You will be more credible and you will be more powerful if you do not separate the lives you live from the words you speak." -- Paul Wellstone "A politician worries about the next election. A true states[wo]man worries about the next generation, and children yet unborn." - e.e. cummings _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [email protected] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
