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Board reviews first reading of visitor protocols separating ICE, DCS and other agency procedures
Summary
The board received a first reading of revised policies (55.40 series) that separate visitor procedures for ICE, Department of Child Services and non-law-enforcement agencies; the policies require agency representatives to check in and conduct interviews only with administrators present.
The board heard a first reading of revised policies previously numbered as Policy 5540; the administration presented the changes and explained why the policy was separated into three distinct policies (55.40, 55.40.01, 55.40.02).
Cliff Caldwell (presenter) told the board the revisions clarify how law-enforcement and government-agency representatives — including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Child Services — must present themselves when arriving on school property. The new language requires agency representatives to check in using the district’s visitor policy, meet with the principal or principal designee (principal or assistant principal), and specifies that they may not speak to students without an administrator present. The policy also specifies notification timeframes for parents when agency interviews with students occur.
Board members asked whether ICE representatives may speak to any administrator or if there is a specific designee; Caldwell answered that the principal or principal designee (principal, assistant principal or central-office administrator) are the appropriate contacts. The administration said these policies are a first reading and will return for a second reading before final adoption, as required by procedure.
Why it matters: These policy changes lay out clear procedures for how law-enforcement and protective-service agencies interact with students and school staff onsite, and clarify administrative responsibilities and parent-notification expectations.
Next steps: The policies will return for a second reading at the next board meeting for adoption consideration.
