Salem‑Keizer board approves resolution on student, staff and family safety related to immigration status

The Salem‑Keizer School District Board of Directors voted to approve Resolution 202425‑05, a district statement on student, staff and family safety with regard to immigration status, after a period of public comment and an amendment adding a 60‑day timeline for specific communications and training.

The resolution, moved and seconded by board members during the meeting, was adopted as amended; the board recorded one abstention. Superintendent Castaneda and legal counsel participated in discussion about the practical and legal limits of district authority during the debate.

The resolution reiterates that district staff will follow existing Oregon law on information sharing and enforcement interactions and states the district’s intent to provide clear communications to students, families and staff about rights and protections. The board amended the resolution in meeting discussion to add: “Be it further resolved, the district shall, within 60 days, take the following actions,” and attached three items from the resolution to that timeline (communication, partnerships, and training). The board chair called for the vote after discussion; the motion carried with one abstention recorded.

Public comment at the meeting strongly shaped the discussion. Nicole, a sixth‑grade student, urged the board to back the resolution and to add resources and training: “I support resolution 2024 and urge the board to vote yes on it,” she said, calling for classroom posters and training "so we can support our families and home and communities." Lehi Herrera Lopez, executive director of Mano Mano Family Center, told the board the measure “reaffirms current Oregon law” and pressed for follow‑through: “You have to follow it up with training,” he said.

Community speakers asked the board to attach concrete supports to the resolution beyond restating state law, including a rapid response fund, mandatory staff training, “know your rights” sessions for families and clearer operational guidance for staff if immigration enforcement appears at schools or homes. Alex Sosa, a 2023 graduate, urged the board to avoid letting the measure be “performative” and said resources, not only words, were needed.

Board discussion reflected differing views on whether a new local resolution added value beyond existing state protections. One director said the resolution largely restated standing state law and existing policies and announced an abstention for that reason, citing concerns about creating unnecessary public attention. Other directors described the vote as a public affirmation of district values and a first step toward concrete support and partnerships; several thanked students and community members for sharing personal stories.

The board’s amendment sets a 60‑day schedule for the district to implement the communication and partnership items specified in the resolution. Superintendent Castaneda indicated staff and legal counsel would coordinate next steps. The district will publish any written materials created under the timeline and report back to the board in a subsequent meeting.

Copies of written public comments submitted for the meeting will be posted on the district website per standard practice.