Vancouver School District board adopts policy on immigrant and refugee students, families and staff

The Vancouver School District Board of Directors adopted Policy 4,300, “Immigrant and refugee students, families, and staff,” during a special meeting that began at 6 p.m.; the motion passed with four affirmative votes and no recorded opposition.

The policy, described to the board as consistent with the Washington attorney general’s model policy and the Keep Washington Working Act, documents the district’s current practices for responding to immigration‑related inquiries and enforcement efforts and establishes procedural steps staff must follow. Director Smith said the board moved the adoption forward more quickly than usual “because the board felt there was some urgency around this particular policy” to reassure families and staff.

Taylor Richmond, district staff, summarized how the policy will…