Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Shakopee highlights Heart Safe program, new AED donation and Safe Routes grants
Summary
At its June 23 meeting the Shakopee board heard a National Safety Month update: the district said it was the state's first Heart Safe School District, announced a donated outdoor AED for Schlumberger/Schl e pper (stadium) field, and reported roughly $70,000 in Safe Routes grant funding for crossing improvements.
The Shakopee Public School District on June 23 used its National Safety Month presentation to highlight partnerships, AED placement and newly awarded Safe Routes to School grants that officials said will fund pedestrian improvements near district campuses.
Assistant Superintendent Jim (presented as Jim Paul Sich in the transcript) told the board safety is the district's top priority and highlighted ongoing partnerships with local law enforcement, fire departments, county agencies and community health partners. "It's the most important thing that we do because everyone wants their child to go to school and have a safe and caring experience," he said.
The district said it was the first Heart Safe School District in the state and that staff testified for a bill that became law requiring Heart Safe plans for schools; staff said statewide compliance will be required within about a week of the meeting. The district also announced a donated tower-style automated external defibrillator (AED) that will be installed at Schakopee Stadium (referred to in the packet as Schlumber field) at no cost to the district; the device was donated by the Advanced First Aid Association (AFA) and installation is a partnership with the city.
Board members praised volunteer fundraisers and staff who supported the AED placements. "Need to thank Jenny Huddl because, again, she's fundraised every penny of this at no cost to the district," one board member said during discussion; the transcript identifies the fundraiser as Jenny Huddl (first reference: 00:23:47).
The assistant superintendent also announced Safe Routes to School grant awards secured in partnership with the city and county. One grant is "roughly $70,000" to improve pedestrian access and crossings near the high school; additional funds will update crossings near Sweeney Elementary and Lions Park, staff said. The presentation said the district identified multiple crossing and safety needs during a 2025 review with the Department of Transportation and will work with principals and city/county contacts to implement projects when grant funds are available.
Tracy Cournier (named in presentation) oversees training and building teams for Heart Safe programming; staff said Code Red and other programs offer CPR and AED training to secondary-level students and provide a pool of trained adults for emergency response. The board said most sites already have AEDs and some outdoor fields are now covered by AED placements.
No formal action was required for the informational spotlight; the board thanked staff and volunteers for the work on safety initiatives.
