Parents urge stronger safeguards and safety devices for students with disabilities; superintendent outlines district guidance on immigration‑enforcement anxie
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Summary
Two parents urged the board to strengthen training, accountability and transparency around restrictive procedures for students with disabilities and to create a clear IEP‑based pathway for 'angel sense' or comparable safety devices; Superintendent McIntyre said the district has posted guidance and is working with law enforcement to reassure families amid increased immigration‑enforcement concerns.
Two parents addressed the Anoka‑Hennepin board on Jan. 12 asking for clearer and more consistent safety protocols for students with disabilities and for the district to consider reasonable accommodations that would improve student safety.
"We are here tonight to speak about student safety for everyone, students with disabilities and students without disabilities because safety is the foundation for learning," said Marianne, a district parent. She asked the board to take action in three ways: create a clear district procedure for requesting "angel sense" or comparable safety devices through the IEP process; provide practical, ongoing staff training so restrictive procedures and seclusion are used only as last resorts; and ensure timely, clear communication with families when restrictive procedures occur. Marianne said such measures are needed so families do not have to "chase information" after an incident.
Longtime participating parent and retired teacher Kathleen Secon urged the board to consider asking voters for additional operating funds, saying community members want to help the district in times of budget trouble. "Please let us help," Secon said, and she requested a spring vote so incoming students would not face the same dilemmas teachers and families currently face.
Superintendent McIntyre, in his district update, said the district had sent a message to families earlier that day and posted information on the district website to reassure students and families that schools "are a safe place with strong policies and procedures to protect student safety amid the increase in immigration enforcement concerns in the metro area." He said the district has not experienced immigration enforcement at school sites but has provided administrators and teachers with information to support affected families.
The board accepted the public comments and will rely on staff and appropriate administrative processes to follow up on requests. No formal policy changes were adopted at the meeting; parents and board members discussed next steps and procedural pathways for any potential accommodations or policy proposals in future meetings.