Beaverton School Board adopts resolution backing immigrant students and families after heated debate

The Beaverton School District board voted 6–1 on Feb. 3 to adopt a revised resolution expressing support for immigrant students and families, a measure board members said formalizes the district’s intent to prioritize student safety and partner with government agencies while acknowledging limits to district authority.

Board Chair Garg opened the item by describing a version of the resolution that leadership revised after conversations with members and legal counsel. "We try to hear what people asked for and made the changes," the chair said when introducing the item. The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Director 24 and seconded, and the board then debated several edits and the implementation implications.

The debate centered on language and scope. Director Carpenter questioned language that had been struck from an earlier draft — language that had stated the district "shares in the responsibility to respond to these concerns on behalf of our BSD students, families, and staff." Carpenter said removing that phrasing raised concerns that the district might appear unwilling to take responsibility for community safety and called for clearer commitments on ensuring safe routes to and from school. "Why can't we do a little bit more, particularly around getting our kids to and from school safely?" Carpenter asked during discussion.

Other board members urged balance between measurable commitments and avoiding promises beyond the district’s legal authority. Director Perez pointed to language added in the revised draft that the district will "continue to communicate and partner with government bodies, public agencies, and other organizations as appropriate to provide families access to resources and support while prioritizing safety and confidentiality of personal information." Perez described that approach as evidence of shared responsibility and existing channels for partnering with county agencies.

Several board members said passage should be followed by concrete actions: better communication of response protocols, staff and community training, and coordinated engagement with county and city partners. Director Raji encouraged staff to assemble the questions board members raised and produce the supporting information needed before implementation.

At the vote, six members raised their hands in favor and Carpenter voted no. Chair Garg said the resolution will be published and staff will follow up on the operational steps and communications the board requested. "We will keep on continuing to do things to face the moment, but we cannot also say that we can take full responsibility for something that's not in our hands," the chair said, summarizing the board’s cautious approach.

What’s next: Board members asked staff to return with clarifications and additional data on what the district can commit to operationally and the partnerships needed to support students and families. The resolution’s passage does not, by itself, change district statute or policy; it directs staff and leadership to continue coordination and reporting to the board.