Grand Rapids school board adopts statement committing to support immigrant families, forms advisory group

The Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education on Feb. 10 approved a board statement committing the district to support immigrant families and directed creation of an advisory committee to review and recommend updates to district policies and resources related to immigrant and marginalized families.

The action followed public comments from community members and parents urging clearer, written protections for undocumented students and families. Ismalis Nunez, a community member who said she signed an Action Network petition, told the board she was "deeply disappointed" that voices had been suppressed at an earlier working meeting and asked for a measurable policy so the district could "ensure safety for all students." Nunez said, "Without a clear measurable policy there are no guarantees."

Board members spent more than an hour discussing the statement and the committee’s role. Trustee Moreno (board trustee) praised district communications and the proposed advisory group, saying she was "most excited about the advisory group" and the opportunity to involve partners and school staff. Trustee Melton (board trustee) emphasized that board and district policies already address many procedures and urged that any statement be consistent with existing policies. Trustee Williamson (board trustee) said the advisory group should make recommendations that the board would vote on rather than be delegated authority to make policy by itself.

Superintendent Roby (Superintendent) and district legal counsel reviewed edits to the draft; the board agreed to a legal-language revision and inserted language making clear that the advisory committee will "review, refine and recommend updates to policies and resources," rather than unilaterally setting policy. Trustee Williamson said the advisory group should bring recommendations so the board can take formal action. Trustee Williams (board trustee) expressed concern about creating an appearance of targeting the district, given political activity in Lansing, but said he supported further policy work.

Board President Davis (board president) said she had appointed Vice President Wade to chair the advisory committee and named Trustees Davis and Moreno to serve; Superintendent Roby will appoint cabinet members and the district is working to include building leaders and community partners. The board president said the committee would be scheduled as soon as memberships are finalized.

A motion to adopt the revised statement and to form the advisory committee passed by voice vote; the board recorded no roll-call tally for that vote. The transcript records the chair asking "All in favor say aye" and, after a voice response, "Okay. Motion carries." The board later confirmed appointments to the advisory group during meeting announcements.

Why it matters: board-level statements and advisory bodies shape whether and how a district translates community concerns into enforceable procedures for staff and school sites. Speakers at the meeting urged explicit, measurable protections for students and families, including staff training and limits on how and when non-district officials interact with students.

What happens next: the advisory committee will meet to review existing policies and district procedures, identify gaps, and bring recommendations to the board for formal action. The board inserted explicit language so that the advisory committee is advisory in nature and will recommend policy changes, not enact them.

Votes at a glance: the board approved the statement of commitment to support immigrant families and established the advisory committee by voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion was seconded and "carried" with no recorded roll-call tally.