I.    PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to assure development of plans to provide direction to District employees and students when faced with emergency situations.

II.    GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

The Superintendent shall be responsible for directing the development of comprehensive emergency response procedures for school leadership, as well as protocols in alignment with those procedures that provide guidance for employees, students and parents when there is an emergency situation.

III.    PROVISIONS

1. The District’s emergency response procedures shall conform to state and federal laws, Minnesota Department of Education rules, and guidelines set forth by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Services.
   
   The provisions of the District’s procedures shall be compatible with those of the local municipalities in which the School District is located. Appropriate officials from the local municipalities shall be requested to review the procedures during the development phase.
    
2. The emergency response procedures shall address the following emergency situations:
    
   1. Inclement Weather
   2. Fire
   3. Bomb threat
   4. Threats with weapons
   5. Demonstrations
   6. Natural disaster
   7. Utility emergency
   8. Hazardous material accident
   9. National emergency
   10.  Reunification
   11.  Student body and/or staff health emergencies
        
3. Employees shall receive in-service training annually on plan implementation. Additionally, emergency procedures guideline booklets shall be available in every school and District building.
    
   1. Each building principal shall align their emergency response to the District’s outlined emergency response procedures for various types of emergency situations.
       
4. Students shall receive specific instruction on relevant aspects of the building’s emergency procedures as they participate in a required number of drill and practice sessions throughout the school year.
    
5. Parents shall be made aware of the District’s safety and security efforts via emails, updates, and the school website.

IV.    WARNING SYSTEMS

1. The School District shall maintain a warning system designed to inform students, employees, and visitors in the facilities of an emergency. This system shall be maintained on a regular basis under the maintenance plan for all School District buildings.
    
2. It shall be the responsibility of the principals, in partnership with District leadership, to inform students and their building employees of the system and the means by which the system is used to identify the specific type of emergency involved.

V.    EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

1. The Superintendent, Security and Emergency Management Coordinator, or designee shall have full authority for action in the event of an emergency that threatens the safety and security of person or property.