Statement from Superintendent Mike Funk, Stillwater Area Public Schools | 11.12.25

"The safety of our students is our top priority. As a school community, we are deeply saddened that some of our students were among the victims in this case involving a former Adventure Club employee. Because this is pending litigation, we cannot discuss specific allegations.

As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, we have continued to strengthen our protocols for student supervision and implemented the following safeguards for school-age child care:

• Staff may not use cell phones at any time when students are present.

• Staff may not take pictures of students unless pre-approved by a supervisor, and photos may only be taken using a district-owned device.

Stillwater Area Public Schools has also adopted the most stringent personal device policy in Minnesota, which bans student use of cellphones and other electronic devices during the school day at all levels - preschool through 12th grade. In addition, we have added a mandatory 90-minute training program on Sexual Exploitation Awareness and Response for all district staff.

We remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for every student in our care, and we will continue working closely with families, staff, and law enforcement partners to uphold the highest standards of safety."