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Parent criticizes Sartell-St. Stephen district for inconsistent messaging after national and local tragedies
Summary
A parent told the Sartell-St. Stephen School District board the district issues statements selectively after tragedies, citing a past equity response after George Floyd and an absence of statements after a school shooting; she asked the board to ensure consistent support for all students.
Kelsey Asgaard, a parent of a Sartell High School student, told the Sartell-St. Stephen School District board she is concerned about uneven district messaging following national and local tragedies.
Asgaard said the district issued a public statement after the killing of George Floyd that led to a 96-member educational equity and student experience committee and an equity audit, but offered no communication or support after a school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. "Our children, staff, and families deserve consistent acknowledgment and support in the face of all forms of violence, regardless of political implications," Asgaard said.
The parent argued the district appears to issue statements only when "a tragedy aligns with a certain political narrative," which she said sends "a troubling message about what and who our district stands for." She also recited a statement she said the superintendent of "Malacca School" sent to families following that district's school shooting: "As a school district, we are heartbroken by the news of the school shooting. Our thoughts are with the students, families, and educators of Annunciation Catholic School.... If your child is struggling to process the news, our counselors and student support teams are ready to assist."
Asgaard urged the superintendent and the board to review how the district responds to all tragedies and to "ensure our district is united in protecting and supporting every student." She noted the earlier equity-related statement previously issued by a former Sartell superintendent and said that statement produced both local division and national attention.
The meeting transcript does not record a response from the superintendent or a formal board action addressing Asgaard's request.
The public-comment item occurred during the meeting's citizen comment period and was presented by an identified parent. No votes or policy changes were recorded on the topic during the session.
