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Board adopts updated protocols for immigrant students, directs staff training and family outreach
Summary
The board unanimously adopted Resolution 7030, updating a 2016 policy on immigration enforcement in schools, directing training for counselors, principals and identified staff, and instructing coordination with community partners and legal service providers.
Portland Public Schools’ Board of Education unanimously adopted Resolution 7030 on Jan. 7, updating district protocols to affirm the rights of undocumented students and to guide staff response if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel seek access to district property or information.
The resolution updates the districts earlier 2016 policy and instructs staff to follow all applicable federal and Oregon laws while strengthening communications and staff training. District staff said they have already begun targeted trainings for counselors, college and career coordinators, senior leaders and will conduct principal trainings; the district also plans outreach to front‑office staff and community partners.
Key points from staff and public comment
- Staff presentations said district legal counsel and the Office of Student Support Services will lead training and resource distribution. Staff listed community partners they are coordinating with, including Multnomah County, MESD legal aid, Latino Network, the ACLU and the Mexican consulate.
- Parents and community representatives urged rapid, clearly timed implementation and asked for concrete timelines and resources. Speakers Magali Rabasa and Anna Araujo (both parents and community advocates) said the district should publish specific timelines and ensure trainings are available in multiple languages. They also asked that the district not make implementation dependent solely on impacted community members.
Board direction and implementation
- The board adopted the resolution and asked staff to provide a timeline and a plan to operationalize item #5 of the resolution (trainings and family information). Staff committed to sharing additional specifics, including which staff will receive training and the timeframe for school‑level rollouts.
- Staff emphasized interjurisdictional coordination already underway and said public materials (letters to families, website resources) have been distributed; they also said additional trainings for community partners are planned.
Why this matters
Board members and community advocates said the resolution offers a clear statement of policy and intention at a time of heightened community concern; they emphasized the need for swift, well‑resourced implementation so families can know where to turn if enforcement activity occurs.
Ending
The board approved Resolution 7030 unanimously and directed staff to return with an implementation timeline and materials for the board and the public.
