Dear LMSV Families,
We have heard from many in our school communities who are very concerned about the newly enacted immigration enforcement policies at the federal level. Yesterday, I responded to a reporter’s questions about how the school district plans to deal with immigration enforcement efforts, and I thought it would help to share these responses with all of you.
1. What is the district’s policy regarding assisting ICE agents and permitting access to district facilities?
Like any other visitor, an immigration enforcement officer would first have to check in and register at the school office. From there, a school would not grant access to the campus or share student records or parent contact information without a valid warrant or person-specific court order.
The district’s board policies and admin regulations are available on our “immigration resources” webpage at www.lmsvschools.org/immigration-resources/.
2. Does the district ask families’ immigration status and/or would it share student records with ICE?
No. This is directly from our policy on immigration enforcement: “District staff shall not solicit or collect information or documents regarding the citizenship or immigration status of students or their family members or provide assistance with immigration enforcement at district schools, except as may be required by state and federal law.” (This is the law in California. See Education Code 234.7)
3. Is there any specific guidance the district is giving principals, teachers or parents following concerns about ICE agents showing up to schools?
At this time, we are notifying staff and families that the newly enacted presidential executive orders have no impact on our current policies and procedures. We will continue to ensure that our schools are safe and welcoming spaces for each and every one of our students and their families. Additionally, our social workers and community liaisons are offering workshops on a family’s educational rights under the law and the importance of having a preparedness plan in place should a guardian be detained by immigration. Much of this information is available on our website at www.lmsvschools.org/immigration-resources/
4. What are the biggest concerns with this change? Is there concern that enrollment or attendance might be affected?
My biggest concern is that many families will live in fear. Our schools are community hubs. They are places of belonging. School, more than anywhere else, should be a respite for children and families regardless of legal status, race, creed, or color. So, while changes in federal immigration enforcement policy have little effect on the school district’s internal policies and procedures, it’s clear that this issue has a significant impact on the sense of safety and security in the wider community. I am concerned about enrollment and attendance simply because the injection of fear into the community has the potential to cause people to avoid anything that may be associated with government. We want our families to know that the role of school has not changed and that all children have a Constitutional right to a free public education, regardless of legal status. Our schools remain safe and welcoming places for all children and their families.
The most important thing to know is that nothing has changed in terms of how LMSV responds to immigration efforts. Our schools are, and will remain, safe and welcoming places for ALL of our students and their families.
One additional note: There have been hoax reports on social media claiming that ICE agents have been questioning parents about their legal status in front of some Spring Valley schools. These reports are completely false. There have been no ICE agents working in or around any of our schools.
The most important thing to know is that nothing has changed in terms of how LMSV responds to immigration efforts. Our schools are, and will remain, safe and welcoming places for ALL of our students and their families.
Gratefully yours,
David Feliciano
Superintendent, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
