MN HF1158

Establishes a multiagency School Climate Council to improve school climate and safety for students in preK-12 schools and higher education institutions.

Council consists of commissioners from seven state departments, representatives from education organizations (Board of Teaching, School Boards Association, principals and teachers unions), two each of student support personnel, parents, students, law enforcement, and judicial branch representatives.

Council duties include establishing norms and standards for preventing bullying and harassment, advancing evidence-based school safety policies, and developing training resources for schools and communities.

Creates a School Climate Center within the Department of Education to provide policy guidance, technical assistance, restorative practices training, and web-based staff development to schools.

Center's first-year priorities include establishing the council, developing a model bullying prevention policy, providing regional training, establishing baseline data on school climate, and creating a toolkit of research-based practices available on the Department of Education website.