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Vancouver School District board adopts policy on immigrant and refugee students, families and staff
Summary
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 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 work in practice: it defines a lawful court order or judicial warrant consistent with state law, designates the school principal as the primary on-site contact for any immigration official, and requires the principal to consult with the superintendent and district legal counsel before responding to documentation or enforcement requests. “For that to happen, there has to be a lawful court order or judicial warrant, and so this definition explains what that is and what Dr. Snell and I would be reviewing any order or warrant for, to determine compliance,” Richmond said.
The policy also sets out a parent-notification process if there is any enforcement effort at a school; guidance for staff who receive immigration‑related information; procedures for responding to requests for student or staff records; and a direction that staff route inquiries through the principal to central office legal counsel. Richmond told the board the district is compiling resources and will post them on the district website.
Board members repeatedly said the policy codifies existing practice rather than creating new restrictions or authorities. Director Spruill and Director Zavala emphasized that communicating the policy to staff and families is a priority; district staff said they pushed guidance to staff the morning before the meetings and previously issued communications in January about practices and limitations. Richmond confirmed that the updated grievance procedures for harassment tied to Title IX changes will be posted later this month.
A motion to consider and adopt the policy was made and seconded; the final roll-call vote recorded Director Behrends: approve; Director Spruill: yes; Director Zavala: approve; Director Smith (chairing): approve. The board chair announced, “The motion passes and the policy is adopted.” The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:12 p.m.
What the policy does in practice: district staff will route any contact from immigration officials to the school principal, who will consult with the superintendent and legal counsel; school staff will not independently provide records or comply with enforcement steps without the required judicial documentation and central‑office review; the district will publish guidance and resources on its website to inform families and staff.
Votes at a glance: Policy 4,300, “Immigrant and refugee students, families, and staff” — Motion to adopt: passed (4 yes, 0 no).
