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North Wasco reads family letter, promises staff training after public questions on ICE, student privacy
Summary
After public comments from community members, Superintendent Dr. Bernal read a district letter affirming students' rights and outlined staff training and communications about interactions with federal immigration agents. The board did not take a formal vote but staff trainings and family communications were scheduled.
Amber Orion, a community member, asked the board for clearer language in a district document on how schools should respond if federal immigration agents appear on campus. "If ICE or federal agents arrive at my school, do I have to let them in?" Orion asked during public comment, pressing for specific exceptions and consistent language for who on staff should be notified.
Martha Verdus Cortega, identified as director of Immigrant Health Centers for the Hood River Latino Network, urged the board to adopt a formal resolution protecting undocumented students similar to one in the neighboring district: "I am here to ask the North Wasco County School District to adopt a resolution for undocumented students at the school mirroring what Hood River County School District has, to keep our children safe."
Superintendent Dr. Bernal responded in the superintendent's report by reading a letter that will be sent to district families and providing an overview of accompanying staff materials. The letter, included in the meeting packet, emphasizes the district's commitment "to a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where all students belong" and cites legal protections, including the U.S. Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe and federal privacy protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The letter also summarizes district policies relevant to law enforcement contact, naming policies AC (nondiscrimination), ACB (all students belong), JOB (personally identifiable information), and KN/K NAR1/K NAR2 (relations with law enforcement and on-site investigations) as governing procedures.
Dr. Bernal said the district will distribute a family FAQ, translate communications to Spanish, and has required principals and district leaders to train staff on the procedures for handling visits by immigration or federal agents. "We have a very highly dedicated and committed team of leaders that are committed to the safety of our students," Bernal said during the presentation. Board members and staff agreed during the meeting to coordinate consistent messaging with community groups who raised concerns.
No formal board resolution or vote on a new policy was recorded during the meeting; actions described were staff directions and communications commitments. The superintendent said leadership-team trainings are scheduled for the coming Monday and Tuesday, and that the letter and FAQ will be sent to families and posted electronically, with translations provided.
