Growing up in the St. Paul public school system, I only remember “zero tolerance” as the standard operating procedure for discipline. Obviously, this went for major offenses, such as weapons or drugs on school grounds, but it also applied in many situations that were not so immediately applicable, leading to suspension for acts like fighting or even disrespecting teachers. Police officers were a common sight in school (I even knew one by name), and officers on horseback were present for about a week following a rather large fight that ended in 16 arrests. My experience seems to echo what is happening across the nation, as zero tolerance has led to huge, and racially imbalanced, suspension rates, a “school to prison pipeline” that leaves students stranded on the fringes of society and has no measurable effect on school violence.

The format of this forum was to have the school board candidates and the mayor rotate through 7 tables. At each table, people could ask questions. A facilitator at each table managed time and opportunity. So the experience of every table will vary greatly. I only represent the viewpoint of one person at one table.

Want to increase the likelihood that a youngster will not only enter, but graduate from a one, two or four-year higher education program?