Public commenters raise ICE/child‑safety concerns; Education Foundation reports $215,000 raised

Two members of the public used the board’s public comment period on Jan. 20 to address different issues: one raised concerns about immigration enforcement and child safety; the other described Education Foundation fundraising and upcoming community events.

Deborah Smith told the board she was reluctant to make certain remarks with a child present and deferred some comments to a later meeting or written submission. She cited recent law‑enforcement operations where ICE and DHS recovered missing or exploited children and pointed to national statistics she described as concerning, including fentanyl‑related deaths among minors. Smith said local authorities and federal agencies sometimes have to act at schools, businesses or homes when they have reason and authorization to search for violent offenders or trafficking victims, and she urged the public to allow law enforcement to do their jobs in such cases.

Melissa Lewis, who identified herself as executive director (volunteer) of the Jackson County Public Schools Education Foundation, told the board the foundation began fundraising in August 2024 and has raised about $215,000 for mini‑grants, restricted donations and relief efforts; she noted the money has been returned to schools through grants and assistance to families. Lewis invited board members to attend and support the foundation’s prom fundraiser on Feb. 27 and provided printed materials with program impact numbers.

Board members thanked both speakers and noted the public comment rules, including the 3‑minute limit and the board’s practice not to engage in dialogue during the public comment period.