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Residents urge 'safe schools' resolution; board, superintendent describe steps to protect students' privacy
Summary
Two residents urged the board to adopt a 'safe schools' resolution restricting collection of immigration status information and clarifying district protocols if federal immigration enforcement appears at schools; trustees and the superintendent expressed support and described existing memos and operational steps district staff are taking.
Two community members asked the Northport‑East Northport Board of Education on Jan. 23 to adopt a "safe schools" resolution aimed at protecting students and families from immigration‑enforcement actions near schools and limiting the collection of immigration‑status information by district staff.
"Every child deserves the chance to learn in an environment free from fear," Joseph Dragone told the board, urging trustees to adopt a safe schools resolution and providing copies of the proposed policy to the district clerk.
Joanne Contourkis followed, asking trustees to prioritize students' safety and belonging across political divides and urging board members to act to protect vulnerable students, including immigrant and gender‑diverse students.
Board and administration response Trustees spoke in support of protecting students and asked legal staff to confirm the policy implications. Superintendent Dr. Moyer said the district had already circulated a memo from the New York State Education Department reviewing staff responsibilities for situations that may involve immigrant students, and the district has reminded security and administrative staff of operational expectations.
Dr. Moyer described actions taken or underway: security personnel were informed that immigration officers will not be allowed into buildings without appropriate legal process; school leaders were reminded not to release student records or other protected information; student services and counselors were told to be prepared to support students who express concern or distress. The superintendent said the district would involve legal counsel and the school resource officer when a warrant or official request needs verification.
Public record and next steps Speakers handed copies of a draft safe‑schools resolution to the district clerk for board consideration. Trustees asked for counsel and research about any new federal actions and how they interact with existing state guidance. No formal vote on a safe schools resolution occurred during the Jan. 23 meeting; trustees signaled interest and requested staff follow-up.
Ending Board members and the superintendent emphasized the district's obligation to protect students' privacy and safety, and the administration said it would consult legal counsel and share guidance with staff and the public as appropriate.
