Corvallis school board adopts updated protections for undocumented students
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Summary
The Corvallis School Board unanimously adopted Resolution No. 26-0102, expanding its 2016 policy to require superintendent review before immigration-enforcement access to district property, add trauma-informed communication protocols, and extend protections to volunteers and district properties.
The Corvallis School Board voted unanimously Jan. 15 to adopt Resolution No. 26-0102, an update to the district's 2016 policy on interactions with federal immigration enforcement.
The resolution requires any immigration-enforcement official seeking to enter Corvallis School District property to first notify the superintendent or a designee, present written legal authority and allow time for legal review, and directs the superintendent to maintain annual, trauma-informed staff training and notification procedures that prioritize student safety and well-being. Chair Luke Whitebear read the declaration aloud when the board approved it, and Board members said the changes reflect new enforcement practices and an expanded focus on district properties, volunteers and surveillance techniques.
Why it matters: the revision broadens the 2016 language in three main ways: it explicitly covers Customs and Border Protection and any individuals acting on behalf of federal immigration enforcement; it applies to "district properties" rather than only school buildings; and it requires annual review and trauma-informed communication procedures so families and staff receive timely, clear information when enforcement activity is anticipated.
Board debate centered on operational limits and supports. Board member Chris asked how the district would care for students temporarily left without an adult; Superintendent Ryan Noss and other board members said district staff will follow established child-welfare and school procedures and emphasized staff's existing practice of caring for affected students while working to contact guardians. Board member Sammy urged the board to pair the policy with clear follow-up procedures and community outreach so families understand available steps and resources.
The board made the motion to adopt the resolution; Therese moved, Bernie seconded, and the clerk recorded a unanimous roll-call vote in favor. Chair Whitebear said the resolution will be shared with families in the district's supported languages and attested by the superintendent.
The text cites Plyler v. Doe and references Oregon sanctuary statutes in framing the district's obligations; the resolution also directs the superintendent to align notifications with applicable state and federal privacy laws such as FERPA.
Next steps: the resolution instructs the superintendent to maintain and annually review the district's response procedures and trainings, to translate the plan into supported district languages, and to report back to the board as protocols are developed and refined.