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Parents urge Chambersburg school board to address detention and communication after custodian's deportation
Summary
At the Dec. 16 board meeting parents from Falling Spring Elementary asked the district to communicate with students and families sensitively after a long-time custodian, identified as Mr. Carlos, was detained and deported; callers described emotional impacts on students and asked the district to reach out to the employee's family and allow staff to acknowledge the loss with students.
Several parents addressed the board during the public-comment period on Dec. 16 to ask the district for clearer communication and compassion after the detention and deportation of a beloved Falling Spring Elementary custodian identified in public remarks as Mr. Carlos.
Erin Adams, a Falling Spring parent, asked the board to "consider the tremendous impact the disappearance of a beloved custodian has had on our district," describing students' sadness and circulating rumors and asking the district to provide factual information and guidance so teachers can address students appropriately. Adams said teachers reported being told they could not discuss the matter or have students make cards for the custodian.
Laura Aleman, also a Falling Spring parent, urged outreach to Mr. Carlos's daughter and grandson and described him as a visible, bilingual presence who "was always very friendly and kind," noting students miss him and the school community is seeking clear information and ways to support impacted families.
The remarks followed a governance comment from Valerie Jordan urging attention to homeless-student graduation programs. Board members did not take immediate action during public comment but the speakers asked administration to consider outreach and communication steps to support staff, students and affected families.
No board motion or vote resulted directly from the public comments during the meeting; speakers asked administrators to follow up and to consider sending information or suggested talking points home to families.
