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Board adopts district safety plan; trustees say legal guidance on federal enforcement at schools is under review
Summary
The Ithaca City School District Board adopted its annual district safety plan unanimously and discussed concerns raised in public comment about potential federal enforcement actions at schools; the superintendent said the district is consulting legal counsel and will follow state guidance before making changes.
The Ithaca City School District Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt the district safety plan for 2024–2025 on Jan. 28.
During public comment, Jonathan Bates, a Caroline resident and town board member, urged the district to consider the possibility that federal enforcement agents might appear at schools under a recent executive order and asked whether the district’s safety plan addresses that scenario.
“I noticed tonight there's a resolution to pass a safety plan. I don't know what part of that plan might address this issue,” Bates said, mentioning reported raids on farms in New York and asking the board to keep the issue on its radar.
Board members responded that the district will consult legal counsel and follow guidance from the New York State Commissioner of Education and the governor. The superintendent said the state has issued guidance that law enforcement should not enter school buildings without a subpoena but added that legal scholars are still reviewing the executive order and the district is working through its options.
At the meeting, the superintendent said the safety plan already includes protocols that define district relationships with local law enforcement agencies but that the board and administration would consider updates if required by law or advisable for clarity. Board members noted the district may change the plan later in the year through the required public process if new guidance or legal developments require it.
The motion to adopt the safety plan passed without opposition. The board recorded no substantive changes to the plan at the meeting.
The board also agreed members of the public and community groups may raise related concerns and that the district will share further information as legal review and counsel allow.
