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Danvers schools reiterate student‑information protections and guidance amid community concern over immigration status
Summary
Superintendent Bauer told the School Committee on Feb. 3 that the district has updated staff guidance and follows Attorney General and DESE guidance on releasing student information; principals were instructed to direct any federal agents to central office to ensure legal review.
Danvers Public Schools Superintendent Bauer told the School Committee Wednesday that the district has circulated guidance to staff on protecting student information and on procedures if a federal immigration agent arrives at a school.
Bauer said the district consulted its school attorneys, the Danvers police chief and the Essex County district attorney, and attached updated guidance from the Attorney General of Massachusetts and DESE to staff communications. "If a federal agent would arrive at a school, the principal would contact the superintendent and request that that person go to the central office," Bauer said. He added that administrators would consult the district's school attorney if there were a warrant and that the district does not have authority to release a child to anyone other than a parent or guardian or by court order.
Bauer reiterated that all school‑age children in Massachusetts are entitled to attend school regardless of immigration status and that the district does not collect or maintain immigration‑status data. He also reminded the committee that hate‑related bullying and harassment are prohibited and that the district will investigate and respond to any alleged incidents. "Our schools remain committed to providing a safe and positive learning environment for all students," Bauer said.
Committee members praised the administration's proactive outreach. One member said the committee's policy goal is that "every student feel safe, secure and emotionally supported in their schools," and several members thanked Bauer for sharing the updated staff guidance.
Ending: The superintendent said principals will review the guidance with staff at upcoming faculty meetings and that anyone with questions should contact the district administration directly.
