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Superintendent says schools won't disclose student records to immigration agents without legal mandate; district readies supports for immigrant students amid f
Summary
Superintendent told the board that student education records will not be shared with immigration enforcement without legal compulsion and outlined protocols for handling ICE contact; board discussed virtual options and community outreach for immigrant families and flagged uncertainty about federal funding linked to policy changes.
The superintendent told the board that student education records protected under federal privacy law will not be provided to immigration officials without proper legal process, and outlined steps school administrators should follow if an agent appears at a school.
At the meeting Dr. Beattie referenced the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and said "that information is never shared without the consent of the parent" and that administrators should request legal documentation and contact legal counsel when immigration agents arrive. He described school entrances' controlled access systems and said agents will be directed to the main office and that school administration will ask for appropriate warrants or orders before providing access.
Board members and staff also discussed possible impacts from pending federal policy changes that speakers described as linking some federal funding to restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion programming, critical race theory and gender‑identity instruction. Staff characterized current reports as preliminary and said the immediate impact to district programs was uncertain; they urged monitoring and broad stakeholder communication.
The board also addressed services for immigrant students: staff described options to expand virtual enrollment for families that prefer remote instruction and said guidance would be sent to schools and families shortly. Board members asked that communications be considerate of students' and families' privacy and legal status and recommended working through school‑level contacts (texts/calls) rather than districtwide messages that could reveal sensitive information.
Members of the public and commenters at the meeting urged the district to prioritize wraparound supports — mental health, nursing, food service and enrollment assistance — and to coordinate with community partners to help immigrant families complete financial aid forms such as the FAFSA and Michigan Connect for college enrollment. Public commenter Mother Moore urged urgency, saying "we are in trouble" and warning that community anxiety requires clear district action and outreach.
Staff said some state grants and private foundation funds are being used now to support nurses, social workers and mental‑health services, and that those grants will require renewal or replacement depending on the state budget and grant cycles.
