Committee approves amendments to student-records and immigration-enforcement privacy policies after discussion about ICE and FERPA protections

The Rochester City School Board Policy Committee on Feb. 4 voted to advance amendments to Policy 5500 (student records and privacy) and Policy 5600 (student privacy and immigration enforcement) after extended discussion about how the district should protect students if federal enforcement agents seek records or enter school premises.

Commissioner Elliott raised concerns that changes to enforcement directives could expose students—particularly English-language learners and immigrant families—and asked how the policies would protect student records if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sought access. Superintendent Strickland responded that the proposed policy language is intended to align district practice with FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and to limit disclosures. "We cannot disclose records...without parent consent," Strickland said, adding that the district requires legal documentation and lawful process before releasing records and that staff have been instructed on protections for vulnerable students.

Commissioner Patterson recommended consulting the district attorney’s office on how to respond if federal agents arrive at school sites, noting that federal law can supersede local rules and that principals need operational guidance. Strickland said the district’s legal and operations teams are actively tracking changes in federal guidance and have been briefing principals on appropriate responses.

After discussion, the committee moved and approved forwarding the amendments: the resolution amending prior bylaws and policies (recorded on the agenda as 2024–2025 resolution 314) passed in committee, and motions to advance Policy 5500 and Policy 5600 also passed. Committee members applauded administration outreach to families and school leaders and requested that staff continue providing guidance to school principals and community meetings to disseminate accurate information.

The motions were recorded in open session with voice approvals; no roll-call vote tallies were provided in the transcript. Staff said they will continue coordinating with legal counsel and will provide principals with any updated operational guidance as federal or state directives change.