In East Metro, District 197 Schools Least Compliant with Lockdown Laws

The Pioneer Press surveyed about 100 schools in six east metro districts and found District 197's schools the least compliant with laws mandating lockdown drills in 2011-12.

Follow Eagan Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter | Blog for us West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan had more schools that did not complete the five annual lockdown drills required by state law than any other district in the east metro, according to a Pioneer Press survey. District records showed that  Mendota and Somerset elementary schools only performed one or two drills during the 2011-12 school year, the paper reported. Mendota Heights Police Chief Michael Aschenbrener said his department helped develop a comprehensive safety plan for the school district. "I'm shocked and amazed no one is holding them accountable to the statute," Aschenbrener told the Pioneer Press. Mark Fortman, the district's …

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Student Who Brought BB Gun, Knife to High School Posed No Threat, School Officials Say

A "child made a mistake" when he brought a BB gun and knife to Eagan High School on Tuesday, Jan. 22, according to a high school official.

Follow Eagan Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter | Blog for us A 15-year-old boy who allegedly brought a BB gun and knife to Eagan High School last week posed no threat to other students or staff at the school, according to police and school officials. “A child made  a mistake," Eagan High School Assistant Principal Peter Zak said on Thursday. The boy, who was released to his parents or guardian following the incident, will likely face criminal charges, according to Eagan Police Department spokeswoman Desiree Schroepfer. Police were called to the school shortly after noon on Jan. 22 by members of the school administration, who received a tip about the weapons from another individual. School officials …

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Sen. Al Franken in Eagan Monday to Address School Safety

Franken will stop at Dakota Hills Middle School Monday afternoon to meet with school safety officials.

Follow Eagan Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter | Blog for us In the wake of the Newtown shooting, Sen. Al Franken (DFL), plans to meet privately with Minnesota educators, child advocates and school safety officials at an Eagan school on Monday. Franken, a member of the Senate Education Committee, will make an appearance at Dakota Hills Middle School in Eagan discuss ongoing efforts to improve school safety in the state. The senator also plans to visit Eagan High School, where he will meet with the coaches and students of the school's FIRST Robotics team and see a demonstration of their work. Check back at Eagan Patch later on Monday and Tuesday for ongoing coverage of Franken's visit.

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VIDEO: In Eagan Visit, Franken Discusses School Safety, Mental Illness and Assault Weapons

Sen. Al Franken met this afternoon with counselors, safety experts and ISD 196 administrators at Dakota Hills Middle School.