Dear MAPS Staff and Families,
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priorities. We know that many of you are closely following the district’s ongoing work related to school safety, and we want to share an update following the January 26 School Board meeting, where Zeal Education Group presented the results of the district’s Safety & Security Audit.
What was shared
At the January 26 meeting, Zeal Education Group presented the overview portion of the audit in open session, including:
The purpose and scope of the audit
The methodology used (site visits, interviews, artifact review and surveys)
A timeline of the work conducted since July, 2025
An overview of how findings and recommendations were developed
The open-session presentation highlighted several existing strengths in the district’s safety and security protocols, particularly related to building access controls, entryways and procedures. This affirms that important work has already been done and provides a strong foundation to build upon.
The remainder of the presentation—including specific vulnerabilities, building-level findings, schematics and detailed security protocols—was shared in closed session.
This approach aligns with national school safety standards and Minnesota law, which allow school boards to discuss sensitive security information in closed session in order to protect students, staff and facilities. While we understand this can be frustrating, sharing certain details publicly could unintentionally compromise safety.
Please know that this decision was made intentionally and responsibly, with student and staff safety at the center.
What the survey was — and was not
The staff and family survey was one component of the audit process. Its purpose was to gather experiences and perceptions related to safety and communication, not to serve as a standalone data source or produce conclusions on its own.
Zeal Education Group combines survey feedback with site observations, interviews and procedural reviews to identify themes and inform recommendations. The survey helped add perspective; it did not determine outcomes.
What we are doing now
While the audit review continues, the district has already taken several concrete steps to strengthen safety, including:
Secure entrance enhancements at Probstfield Elementary
Adding a third School Resource Officer, expanding our partnership with the Moorhead Police Department
K9 drug sweeps conducted in coordination with MPD
Emergency response drills at MHS and Horizon East
Ongoing staff training focused on awareness, preparedness, response and threat assessment
Technology security enhancements
Added a LOCK ALL doors button to door control kiosks at all schools
Electronic door held open notifications sent to administrators and security staff
Automated electronic door control sweeps lock all unlocked doors at specified times
These actions reflect our commitment to a layered approach to safety, addressing people, practices and facilities together.
What comes next
Now that the School Board has received the audit overview and detailed findings, district leadership is moving into the next phase of the work.
Over the coming weeks and months, we will:
Review and prioritize audit recommendations
Identify actions that can be implemented immediately and at little or no cost
Develop a multi-year safety and security plan for recommendations that require additional planning and coordination
Form a District Safety and Security Committee comprised of school representatives, community leaders, union representatives and parents
Our commitment to you
We know that for many, there will never feel like “enough” information when it comes to school safety—and that comes from a place of care. We want you to know that this work is thoughtful, ongoing and guided by both national best practices and the lived experiences of our school community.
We are committed to being transparent where we can, responsible where we must be and clear about both immediate actions and long-term commitments.
Thank you for your partnership, your feedback and your shared commitment to keeping our schools safe, supportive and welcoming for every student.
Sincerely,
Brandon Lunak, Superintendent