Norwin board adopts migrant‑students policy after debate over reporting to DHS

The Norwin Board of Education voted 5-3 to adopt Policy D3 (Policy 142, “Migrant Students”) after a sustained discussion during its meeting. The vote followed an unsuccessful effort by a board member to amend the policy to require sharing student-family information with the Department of Homeland Security.

Board Member Alex Detshell proposed the amendment, saying, “I would like to amend or make a motion … include or insert rather, their families and pass such information to Department of Homeland Security for further investigation as to their immigration status.” The amendment was seconded and discussed by other board members but did not carry.

The debate focused on the meaning of “migrant” and the district’s responsibilities. Detshell argued the amendment would put the district “in compliance,” while other members raised procedural and policy concerns. A motion to table the amendment was made and voted on during the meeting; the board later took a roll‑call vote on whether to adopt the policy as presented.

In the roll call that finalized the item, the following votes were recorded: Mrs. Totten — yes; Mrs. Preverso — no; Alex Detshell — no; Mrs. O'Logan — no; Mr. Koch — yes; Mr. Schrum — yes; Dr. Thomas — yes; Mr. Bejalik — yes. The motion to adopt Policy D3 passed by a 5-3 count.

The board did not adopt the amendment requiring school staff to forward student‑family information to federal immigration authorities; rather, it approved the policy as presented on the agenda. Participants discussed tabling the item while awaiting possible regulatory changes, but the final action was a vote to adopt.

Board President Bill Bogella presided over the discussion and announced the results; the board secretary conducted the roll call.

The new policy will be reflected in the district policy manual according to standard procedures; board members did not specify additional implementation steps or timelines during the meeting.