Grand Island Public Schools lays out plan to protect students during immigration enforcement actions

Grand Island — Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) on Feb. 13 presented a district-wide plan to prepare for and respond if immigration enforcement activity affects students or families. Superintendent Matt Fisher walked the board and the public through the plan the district developed with local partners, and answered questions from board members and residents.

The plan, Fisher said, grew from meetings that began in August and was drafted with the district—s safety office, federal-programs staff, the multicultural coalition of Grand Island, the Grand Island Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol and a federal immigration enforcement agency. "GIPS is prepared to assist families in setting up emergency caregiver plans. Collaboration ensures efficient and compassionate responses, and schools are committed to safety, support, and maintaining normalcy," Fisher said.

Why it matters: district staff and several parents told the board they want clarity about how schools will protect students and preserve normal routines if an enforcement action occurs. Board members and staff emphasized the district—s legal obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the need to make…