Students, parents and staff members who are privy to threats or want to air concerns about safety in St. Paul Public Schools now have a means to speak up anonymously.
The district has added a "Send a Tip" feature to its MySPPS app in hopes of getting a heads-up on issues relating to drugs, thefts, weapons or other concerns.
In a news release, Superintendent Joe Gothard said students often are aware of potential trouble before adults. But sometimes, he said, "they just need a safe and easy way to report issues without fear of embarrassment or retaliation."
When tips are submitted, they will be reviewed by the district's emergency communications center.
The district piloted the reporting tool two years ago at Highland Park middle and senior high schools and received a "handful of tips" that were acted on and investigated, said Laurie Olson, district director of security and emergency management.
"While we did not receive many tips or concerns, we still see the value in the system," she said Wednesday. "We want all our students to understand the important role they play in creating safe schools. We want to empower them to come forward with any concerns they may have."
The district also offers an online reporting option at spps.org/safety.
Other local school systems also have created ways to receive alerts about possible incidents.