Community speakers urge board to adopt policies and supports for undocumented families; trustees request administration update

Several speakers at the Port Washington Board of Education—s June 17 meeting urged the district to adopt explicit policies and practices to protect undocumented students and families and to expand support for those facing fear of immigration enforcement.

Community members referred to model protocols used in other districts and immigrant-rights resources and asked whether the district currently maintains policies to shield families from nonlocal law-enforcement actions and to provide —3know-your-rights—4 information. Lauren Tao, one speaker, asked: "Do we currently have any district policies in place to help protect undocumented students and families? If not, are we in the process of drafting policies?" (public comment)

Amanda Perez Leader, speaking as a member of the Latino community, described heightened anxiety among immigrant families and asked the board and administration to make student safety a priority. She asked the new superintendent to make outreach and clarity about protections an early priority so students know they are safe on school premises.

Trustees discussed next steps in public session and asked the administration to perform a confidential —3temperature check—4 on student and family well-being and to report findings to the board. Trustee Julie Epstein noted earlier work on protocols and urged that operational protections remain in place and, when appropriate, be discussed in executive session to protect student privacy. Trustee Sandra Alvarez asked the board to consider whether the topic should be a board priority going forward; several trustees supported asking administration for a packet-level update followed by further discussion if necessary.

What was not decided: The board did not adopt a new, specific policy or resolution during the meeting. Trustees asked the administration to prepare information on existing protocols, any needed policy changes, and proposed next steps for board review; they did not set a specific public deadline for that report during the meeting.

Why it matters: Speakers emphasized that fear and uncertainty about immigration enforcement can harm students— ability to learn and asked the district to use its policies, communications and partnerships to reduce that harm. Trustees indicated they will seek administration information while protecting confidentiality and students— privacy.