Board holds first readings on potential Hazel Green sale and resolution on immigration protections

Chief Operations Officer Bob Silva presented a first reading on the possible sale of Hazel Green Elementary, a facility closed after the 2010–11 budget crisis and currently used by Valley Inquiry Charter School under a contract that runs through 2031. Silva said staff recommended declaring the property not required for school purposes for the board’s judgment and, if pursued, depositing sale proceeds into the district’s capital funds.

Superintendent Andrea Castaneda then presented a first reading of a resolution intended to reaffirm district protections for students, staff and families regardless of immigration status. Castaneda said the resolution “simply restates state law” and is intended to provide clarity for families and staff during an uncertain moment.

District legal counsel summarized Oregon sanctuary laws (noting statutory protections in place since 1987 with an update in 2021) and said public bodies in Oregon are prohibited from participating in immigration‑enforcement actions without a judicial subpoena, from disclosing personal information for enforcement purposes, and from using public resources to facilitate enforcement beyond what law requires.

Board members and community speakers thanked staff for the information and asked follow‑up questions about timelines, contract obligations with the charter school and the scope of protections outlined in the draft resolution. The items were presented as first readings and will return for future board action with staff analysis and, where needed, legal review.