Update: School Resource Officers

Like many districts across Minnesota, the Austin Public Schools has a formal agreement with the Austin Police Department in which local officers are placed in our schools as school resource officers. These specially trained officers protect students and staff during the school day and often during public school-sponsored events in the evening and on weekends. In Austin, this relationship with local police departments has existed for many years.

In recent days, you may have seen media reports related to a change in state law that restricts the use of force and restraints on students. According to media reports, there is some confusion about how the law impacts police officers.

As a result, some local law enforcement agencies have suspended their existing school resource officer agreements with the school district while others have raised their concern about the impact that the law will have on the future role of resource officers in our schools.

The Austin Public Schools is actively working with the Austin Police Department to seek greater clarification about the change in state law. In the meantime, the department has assured the district that it remains committed to providing direct support to our schools and school events as this matter is resolved, including continuing the use of school resource officers. Please see the Attorney General's recent opinion on this matter here.

Thank you for the opportunity to address this important issue, which emerged quickly, drew widespread media attention, and continues to develop. We will provide updates. Please be assured that we join officers in remaining committed to doing all we can to keep our students and staff safe.

As always, thank you for your support of our school district and the students it serves.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent