Statement from Robbinsdale School Board Chair Helen Bassett

During last night’s School Board meeting and community listening session, families and staff made their voices heard loud and clear. We take their concerns seriously, and we share them. On behalf of the school board, we apologize for the anxiety this entire situation caused for so many.

During the closed session meeting, the Board of Education discussed the weapon-related incidents and how we could have responded better. It was a productive discussion, and set the board on a clear path forward.

Specifically, the Board of Education and district administrators have identified policies, practices and procedures that need review and clarification. This work was already underway and will continue.

The board and administration commit to a review process that leads to continuous improvement related to school safety. The review process will provide data that will be an important base for updates provided to our staff and to the community, going forward.

We are assured that district administrators will notify police immediately when there’s a report or suspicion of a gun, either at school or in the possession of a student. The district will also communicate with families and staff immediately about incidents involving guns.

The safety of students and staff will always be our highest priority.

Helen Bassett
School Board Chair
Robbinsdale Area Schools