The Willmar Public School District experienced a significant increase in student absences last week, with 560 students staying home on Monday, December 15. The spike, which represented nearly 15% of the student body, coincided with reports of federal law enforcement activity in the community over the weekend.
District officials have since reported that attendance numbers began to normalize as the week progressed. However, the event prompted the superintendent to reassure families about school safety protocols and led to a meeting of community leaders to discuss the situation.
Key Takeaways
- Willmar Public Schools saw 560 student absences on Dec. 15, about 14.5% of its total enrollment.
- The absences followed a weekend where federal agents, reported to be ICE, were seen in the community.
- Superintendent Adams cited a mix of factors, including community concerns and early holiday travel.
- The district sent a letter to parents reaffirming its policy to protect students from unscheduled contact with outside agencies on school property.
- Student attendance levels returned to near-normal by the end of the week.
A Sudden Spike in Absences
Schools across the Willmar district reported unusually low attendance to start the week. On Monday, December 15, a total of 560 students were marked absent, a number significantly higher than average.
The absences were spread across all grade levels. The high school recorded the most, with 143 students out, followed by the middle school with 130, and Kennedy Elementary with 120. These three schools also have the largest student populations in the district.
According to Willmar Public Schools Superintendent Adams, the numbers began to improve quickly. “By Tuesday, we saw a significant decrease in absences, and by Wednesday, we were kind of getting back to where we normally are,” he said. By Friday, attendance was approaching its typical rate.
Absences by the Numbers
- Total Absences (Monday): 560 students
- Percentage of Student Body: Approximately 14.5%
- High School: 143 absent
- Middle School: 130 absent
- Kennedy Elementary: 120 absent
Community Concerns and District Response
The rise in absences followed reports and online circulation of videos showing federal agents, identified by community members as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), making arrests in Willmar over the weekend of December 13-14.
Superintendent Adams acknowledged that the presence of federal agents was a factor for some families. He stated that while it wasn't the sole reason for all absences, a number of parents who called in cited this as their reason for keeping their children home. Most of the absences were officially excused by parents.
“I am certain that for some, there is still concern about federal agents in the community, and for others, there is not. It is probably a mixed bag.”
- Superintendent Adams, Willmar Public Schools
In response to the community's unease, the district acted swiftly. On Monday afternoon, a letter from the superintendent was sent to all district families. The letter detailed the school's established policies regarding interactions with outside law enforcement agencies.
“Our district is continuing to update administrators on their responsibilities and the proper protocol to follow should ICE officials ever visit one of our schools,” Adams wrote in the communication. “As always, the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority.”
School Policy on Law Enforcement Access
The district's communication aimed to clarify the protective measures in place for students while they are under the school's care. The policy is designed to create a safe and uninterrupted learning environment.
What is the District's Protocol?
Willmar Public Schools policy requires any law enforcement agent to present a valid warrant to school administrators before they can gain access to a student. This protocol applies to all school property, including buildings, parking lots, and school buses.
Step-by-Step Procedure
If an agent presents a warrant, the procedure is clear:
- The building principal or lead administrator would first contact Superintendent Adams.
- The school would then immediately notify the student's parents or guardians.
- If a parent grants permission, a school staff member will bring the student from their classroom to a private area to meet with the agency.
- Crucially, agents are not permitted to enter the main school areas or classrooms to retrieve a student themselves.
Superintendent Adams explained that this policy remains in effect as long as the student is on district property. “Once the student is in hand and off the school property with the parent, then they are not on school property,” he clarified. “Same thing with buses. Once a student is off the bus and on a boulevard, they are considered received at home.”
Community Leaders Convene
The events prompted a broader conversation among local leadership. A meeting was held on Friday morning, bringing together city, county, and community leaders to discuss the presence of federal agents and formulate a coordinated community response.
“It was a good meeting,” Adams noted. “It brought community leaders, city leaders and county leaders together in a room to talk about what we can do as a community.”
While the immediate situation in the schools has stabilized, the district emphasized the importance of consistent attendance for long-term student success. Adams pointed to studies showing a direct link between being in school every day and future achievements, including income levels.
“Even one day is a big deal, missing school for one day. We want kids here every day. I always told my own children, especially when you go to college, that going to classes is half the battle.”
- Superintendent Adams, Willmar Public Schools
With the two-week winter break starting December 22, the district expects attendance to be fully back to normal when students return on January 5. The focus now shifts to ensuring families feel secure and informed about the policies in place to protect their children at school.
