August 24, 2023

HE HENTON HEADLINES
August 24, 2023

New Physical Holds Law, Attorney General Opinion & August 23 Response to both from the MN Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA)

During the past two weeks a number of our school district leaders have been in conversation with their local law enforcement agencies regarding the new physical restraint law. There have been questions raised about what police officers and SROs can/cannot do with regard to physical holds and when those might be applied. 

In this same time frame, a letter was widely distributed from the MCPA questioning the liability for officers under the new law. Some police agencies informed school districts they will no longer provide SRO service. Still others are wavering about whether or not to continue SRO service, or to provide service only when called. 

The Commissioner of Education, Willie Jett, heard these discussions, sought and received an opinion from the Attorney General. Here is the opinion MDE and the Attorney General shared with school leaders during the evening of August 22. 

The following day, August 23, more police agencies informed school districts they would not provide SROs and later that evening, the MCPA posted on X this message and press release.

Throughout this time the executive directors of AMSD, MSBA and myself representing MASA have been in frequent contact with Deputy Commissioner Stephanie Graff and others.

Please be apprised that while we are hearing mostly from metro area school district leaders, we know of at least four school districts in central MN who have been told they are losing their SROs. If you are facing a similar situation, please contact me so I can share your situation with MDE and others.

We will continue to follow any new developments, stay informed and advocate on behalf of all of our school districts facing a change or loss in police service. 

Article of Interest

MASA member, former superintendent and widely read author Dr. Don Lifto offers this article on actions to take after a successful or failed bond election. If you haven’t registered for Dr. Lifto’s GOTV workshop yet, I encourage you to do so. Full information can be found here: www.mnasa.org/gotv-workshop. 

Leadership Matters!

“Everyone carries a bucket of water and a bucket of gas in life. A leader has learned to throw the right one at the right time.”- Orrin Woodward