2022.09.13 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 23, 2022 Page 3 of 7 Officers: Officer Thai Xiong at Irondale High School; Officer DeAndre Clarke at Highview Middle School; and Officer Brianna Riedel serving Bel Air Elementary School, Sunnyside Elementary School, Pike Lake Education Center, and Early Childhood Education Center. He commented further on the role of the officers in schools along with the cultural competency of policing in schools and recommended approval of the proposed agreement. Darin Johnson, Executive Director of School Management for Mounds View School District, commented on the value the school district places on the City’s SRO’s. He reviewed district survey data and noting 92% of district parents reported out district provides a safe learning environment for students and families. He stated this wouldn’t be possible with the positive relationship the district has with its SRO’s. He believed the SRO’s were a part of the school administrative team. He indicated the SRO’s are not viewed as disciplinarians for students who are not making the best choices, but rather this is managed by staff. He discussed how SRO’s assist the district with community building events. He stated he looks forward to continuing to work with the New Brighton Public Safety Department’s SRO’s for the 2022-2023 school year. Councilmember Dunsworth stated she was pleased to the SRO’s had such a positive relationship with the Mounds View School District. She explained she had some questions about the SRO’s and how they are presented in the school. She questioned if the SRO’s are uniformed. Public Safety Director Paetznick explained all SRO’s are dressed as a member of the community which meant they could be dressed in their full uniform, khaki’s and a polo, or school spirit gear while still having all of their tools available to do their job. Councilmember Dunsworth stated she was pleased to learn the SRO’s had a relaxed policy for their attire. She indicated she did not want the presence of the SRO’s to be triggering for students of color. She requested further information on the type of work the SRO’s were doing within the schools. She inquired if a social worker could be hired to do the duties of an SRO. Mr. Johnson explained the relationships that are built with the SRO’s were mutually beneficial both during the school day and throughout the summer. He stated it was not uncommon for students to continue relationships with SRO’s in their home and throughout the community. Mike Schwartz, Risk Management for Mounds View School District, commented it was so much more than having a police officer in the community. He reported it was about building community and partnering. He explained he truly appreciated the relationship the school district had with the New Brighton Public Safety Department. He stated it was so much more than just the safety aspect, but rather was a partnership. Councilmember Dunsworth inquired how the model or interactions with students have changed in the past few years. Mr. Johnson stated there has been stronger communication and a collaborative effort to ensure the SRO’s were working in the building how they can best support the school. Mr. Schwartz commented on how students have changed over the past 20 years and explained he believed the New Brighton Police Department did a wonderful job communicating with the public. Public Safety Director Paetznick stated the SRO program was unique because there was a female officer and two officers of color serving in the schools. He believed these individuals were serving as great role models for students in the community. Councilmember Abdulle explained it was really great to hear praise from the school district for the SRO’s. He thanked Public Safety Director Paetznick for his great leadership. He requested further information regarding the student to staff ratio for student to staff ratio for staff members such as social workers, mental health professionals, nurses, etc. Mr. Johnson reported the school district used the DEAN model which meant the ratio of student to deans is approximately 1:250. He stated each school had a school nurse onsite daily, with some schools have a shared nurse. He noted the school district also had an Executive Director for Student Support and Engagement that works to meet the needs of students. Councilmember Abdulle questioned how the school district prioritizes the needs of students. Mr. Johnson reported the school dean arrangement was contractual and the number of deans working in the district was set in the teacher’s contract.