Letter to the Editor of the Pioneer Press

The following is the text of a letter I submitted to the Pioneer Press. They did not publish it, but published three others on the same subject, written by school teachers.

"I am disappointed in the Saint Paul School Board’s decision to end the contract with the Saint Paul Police Department for School Resource Officers as reported by Josh Verges in your June 24 edition. I believe the decision is based on a misreading of political signals.

First, they failed to recognize that the Saint Paul Police Department is exceptional. It is not a run of the mill department. By lumping all Police Departments together and stereotyping them they are doing a disservice to their students. Judging from board member Allen’s quote they appear to equate the presence of an officer with an increase in trauma. To the contrary, having a friendly officer nearby allows the students to relax a bit about the safety of their environment.

Second, they are ignoring the input of their pupils and the principals of their schools. Ninety-six percent of St. Paul High School juniors said last year that it was a “good idea” to have an officer present in the school. Principals of the seven high schools with officers assigned also support the program.

Third, following the lead of districts like Winona and Minneapolis has the priority turned upside down. If anything, Minneapolis could learn a few things by studying the Saint Paul Police Department. I hope the school board will reconsider this erroneous decision."