Principals ask lawmakers to restore short suspensions for K–3 to address safety and create reentry plans

A group of Minnesota elementary principals told the Senate Education Policy Committee that the state's non‑exclusionary discipline policy for kindergarten through third grade removes a valuable tool — short suspensions — that they say is sometimes necessary to protect safety and organize supports for students and staff.

"Safety is the highest priority at all of our schools," said Patrick Glynn, principal at Jefferson Pond Elementary School in Prior Lake. Glynn told the committee that in 20 years as an elementary principal he has used suspensions "minimally and with success" and that an immediate, short removal can "provide the gift of time to create thoughtful and effective reentry plans."

Officials' concerns and context

- Several elementary principals said the statute as implemented leaves no practical middle ground between keeping a student in class and expulsion; they asked lawmakers to allow short suspensions (up to three days) in narrowly defined circumstances to restore safety and design reentry plans.

- Patrick Glynn said that over five years at his current school he oversaw 14 suspensions (five in‑school and nine out‑of‑school); seven of those out‑of‑school suspensions involved students in K–3, all of whom were receiving special education services. He described those suspensions as short (half day or one full day) and tied to repeated, aggressive incidents that required time for planning and family meetings.

- Lisa Carlson, principal at Woodland Elementary in Eagan and president of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association, said non‑exclusionary discipline leaves principals "powerless" in some situations and can cause "daily" disruption that damages peer learning and family trust when victims return to class without a clear plan. She asked the committee to permit short suspensions while maintaining data collection and accountability.

Discussion versus action

Those testifying requested a statutory amendment to allow limited short suspensions for K–3 when necessary; the committee did not take immediate legislative action on that request during the hearing.

Ending

Principals urged a narrowly drawn legislative fix that would allow short, time‑limited suspensions while preserving oversight and data reporting to the Minnesota Department of Education. The committee signaled interest in clarifying statutory language and in reconciling concerns about student safety and access to instruction.