Unions and board discuss ICE activity near schools; district and volunteers organize safety watches and resources
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Summary
Teachers’ and classified unions briefed the board on staff listening sessions and safety actions after immigration‑enforcement activity was observed near Eastwood Elementary. Unions asked the community to support food pantries, bilingual hotline volunteers, and continued visible presence during arrival and dismissal.
Representatives of the Hillsboro Education Association and Hillsboro Classified United told the board on Nov. 19 that staff have seen heightened fear after recent immigration‑enforcement activity near district schools.
Mary Kate Babcock, president of the Hillsboro Education Association, said educators reported ICE activity observed near Eastwood Elementary shortly before school and that staff organized volunteer “safety watches” with building administrators the next morning. “When students’ needs are not being met, our entire community feels the impact,” Babcock told the board, urging more supports for students and staff.
Kira Hartzell, membership officer for Hillsboro Classified United, described union outreach and the union’s focus on solidarity and collective action. Hartzell closed by citing Dolores Huerta: “Every moment is an organizing opportunity. Every person, a potential activist. Every minute, a chance to change the world.”
Board members, district administrators and unions discussed immediate and near‑term actions: visible community presence at arrival and dismissal, training opportunities (for rapid response and hotline dispatch), food‑pantry donations and volunteer bilingual hotline support. Union leaders requested district help coordinating volunteer safety efforts and additional communication to families about supports and resources.
Superintendent and cabinet remarks acknowledged the fear families and staff reported and encouraged continued coordination among schools, union leadership and community partners. Staff said they will continue to support buildings that elect to run safety watches and to connect volunteers with training and hotline dispatch roles.
